As predicted the Durban Test was a one-sided affair, except that it was the no-hopers from Sri Lanka who were doing the dominating. A year that has gone rapidly downhill for Sri Lanka since their World Cup final appearance in April, including an interminable run of series defeats and a bankrupt board struggling to pay players, ended on the most unexpected of highs as they secured their first Test success in South Africa.

A Sri Lanka victory that will rank alongside the path-breaking one at The Oval 15 years ago as the greatest in their history was within reach as South Africa's batting crumbled after lunch on the fourth day at Kingsmead. The parties in Sri Lanka were delayed by a long stand between AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn, who batted out most of the final session before Rangana Herath struck minutes before close to ease any anxiety building up. The final three wickets went down in four deliveries and a fantastic year for Test cricket ended with the biggest upset of 2011.

South Africa's batting had been solid in the morning, and they would have been satisfied with the start to their attempt at a world-record chase of 450 despite losing the wicket of Graeme Smith. With Hashim Amla in imperious form, South Africa had reached a reasonably comfortable 86 for 1 by lunch, but over the next hour they lost four wickets and even their flimsy hopes of ending their three-Test losing run at Durban evaporated.

The collapse began in the first over after the break, when Jacques Rudolph's resistance ended - and with it perhaps his recently-revived Test career, temporarily at least. As so often in his second coming at the Test level, he was caught in the slip cordon - this time nicking a wide delivery from Thisara Perera.

Jacques Kallis has been in patchy form recently, including a duck in the first innings, but his record in the second innings of Tests is unimpeachable. If South Africa were to salvage something from the Test, they needed another Kallis special. Unfortunately for him, there were no match-turning heroics as he top-edged a sweep on to his helmet to give short leg a catch. In his 149th Test, he bagged his first pair.

If that blow left South Africa unsteady, they were on the mat soon after as Amla, till then producing a masterclass in off-side strokeplay, was run out after attempting a kamikaze single. He punched the ball straight to mid-on and dashed across for the run though Ashwell Prince showed no interest, and stayed firmly at the non-striker's end. Prince, with his Test career on the line, then had to face a lifter from Dilhara Fernando, that he could only glove towards slip. With South Africa at 116 for 5, the fans could start partying in Sri Lanka.

The Prince dismissal was an almost exact replica of Smith's earlier in the day. Fernando, used as early as the ninth over this time after his delayed introduction in the first innings, started with his usual no-ball, raising snickers, but there was no laughing later in the over when he got a delivery to leap at Smith. The batsman attempted to ride the bounce, instead of dropping his hands and letting the ball through, and could only glove a catch to slip.

Besides Fernando, South Africa's main worry was the left-arm spin of Herath. On Wednesday, South Africa had been given a glimpse of what was to come when two successive deliveries from Imran Tahir spun and kicked off a length to comfortably beat the batsman and the wicketkeeper. With the ball turning, Herath varied his flight and angle, to relentlessly probe the South African batsmen's techniques. He was rewarded with the huge wicket of Kallis, and just before tea he added the scalp of Mark Boucher, another man whose place in the side is under scrutiny.

AB de Villiers gamely fought on, but there was little he could do to lift South Africa from their hopeless situation. He and Steyn defied the bowling for 34 overs - another reminder to the batting unit that failed twice in this match that the surface wasn't unplayable.

Steyn had been central to South Africa's promising start to the day as well. In the first innings, he had gone wicketless in a completed innings for the first time since 2008, and he responded second time round with his 17th Test five-for to bring a quick end to the Sri Lankan innings.

There was some classic tail-end batting from Sri Lanka in the morning but their resistance lasted only about half an hour. It didn't matter much, given how far ahead Sri Lanka had already got after the first three days of the Test.

The biggest monkey on the back in the game, if measured by column inches, would be Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international hundred, but the bigger one is Sri Lanka failing to win a Test for nearly a year-and-a-half since the retirement of Muttiah Muralitharan. They have got that off their backs - in style and on a great stage - setting up a tantalising decider in Cape Town.

We had good first innings score in this match to thank Samaraweera who made a fantastic hundred in first innings and batted well in the second innings.That is why we won this match.If Samaraweera not selected for this tour this match also could have lost for us.So Dilshan must be thank to Samaraweera. we lost last all matches bc we haven't a good first innings scores and therefore we were in always behind to the opposition from the begining of the match.If Samaraweera could have played for the Pakistan series in U.A.E we could have won that series.He got 2 double centuries in pakistan when he played with them in last occation.

POSTED BY
ramz_01
on | December 31, 2011, 11:26 GMT

@Anon11 u should relise wt the reasn SRI LANKAN fans talking like this and i think they hv every resn to talk such way.as a 1st class cricketer i knw hw to respct team vr going to play.and international cricketer should knw to respct a international side like SL.he 4gtn lions hv a couple of world class talant nd lankans always playing as a unit nt lyk south african whm try to depend on more then couple of own talant.bt truth is they never play as a unit datz y they dnt do well in pressue situtions.

POSTED BY
Ameega
on | December 31, 2011, 11:24 GMT

@anon11, SL fans have not shown any big mouths here. Their team has been unreasonably condemned, and now they are delighted, after their team's great performance. Do not expect all to be perfect like you. Having said that, I too predict 80:20 SA win, because of their superb bowling attack.

POSTED BY
on | December 31, 2011, 10:45 GMT

@piyo thanda 'after playing thirty years in sa ?' i want to give you a information that SA started their international cricket in 1992 after a ban.if we calculate this things there playing test cricket for 19 years after the ban.how we play 30 years in SA.plese have some cricket knowledge before commenting.
chillax.

POSTED BY
anon11
on | December 31, 2011, 7:34 GMT

@ Ryan Stephen Being a SL fan i too agree with you. I see many SL fans insult Kepler wessels unnecessary. Wessels underestimated the SL tm and the tm give him n all the critics a reply.Earlier I too somewhat agreed with Kepler abt our balling attack. it s true media make a hype abt all the things, these ppl dnt understnd that. But not every SL fan is like that.My mind tells me, SA win the 3rd test because of SL fans big mouth.

POSTED BY
CharlesCrasto
on | December 31, 2011, 0:45 GMT

@ Max Ratnatunge: Buddy, your statement should say 'Thanks to my Pakistani brothers and sisters' as Fatima and Faryal are girls :)
@ Amol_Ind_SA: My friend, there may be some truth in your statement; but let me assure you that the majority of us Pakistani are respectful of the Indian team, and do hold them in awe. As a matter of fact, all cricket lovers love and respect all good players. Peace to all. Cricket and its followers rock!!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 22:24 GMT

All these inflated reactions toward kepler expose a serious degree of insecurity within SL fans, you guys need to understand that the media ALWAYS blow things out of proportion, it's their job to create a stir, that's how they make their money. Watch how South Africans are branded chokers almost everytime we lose a match. Sorry for not being invincible

POSTED BY
Alexk400
on | December 30, 2011, 21:16 GMT

i am outsider. Rangana herath is like zaheer khan. wiley and cunning and fighter to some extent. He can be game winning bowler if he has enough support. With welegadara , he can be good against any team especially he can be good against pakistan because pakistanis are agressive. Anyone aggressive against herath tend to get out. if you are aggressive suddenly he see lots of option to get out. One mistake is good enough. Only controlled aggression works well against herath. I still think he is a good find. They won't find another murali though. Murali had a skill that can wrap up all tail. Rangana is more good bowler against top6 not against tail. He may get lucked out here. He is more good against good batsman.

POSTED BY
Morfi
on | December 30, 2011, 21:16 GMT

Absolutely brilliant victory! Thrilled and most happy for SL - this is coming from a Pakistani fan! SL's recent performances had been disheartening - but they have turned it around - great call for Mahela to captain again! Love the Lankan team - good luck for the next matches guys!

POSTED BY
josh2david
on | December 30, 2011, 21:02 GMT

I just want to say about people who wriitten off SL with short term failure, SL always underdogs they could bounce back unexpectedly and SL matches are always interesting to watch as always some excitements.

POSTED BY
athusri71
on | December 31, 2011, 11:35 GMT

We had good first innings score in this match to thank Samaraweera who made a fantastic hundred in first innings and batted well in the second innings.That is why we won this match.If Samaraweera not selected for this tour this match also could have lost for us.So Dilshan must be thank to Samaraweera. we lost last all matches bc we haven't a good first innings scores and therefore we were in always behind to the opposition from the begining of the match.If Samaraweera could have played for the Pakistan series in U.A.E we could have won that series.He got 2 double centuries in pakistan when he played with them in last occation.

POSTED BY
ramz_01
on | December 31, 2011, 11:26 GMT

@Anon11 u should relise wt the reasn SRI LANKAN fans talking like this and i think they hv every resn to talk such way.as a 1st class cricketer i knw hw to respct team vr going to play.and international cricketer should knw to respct a international side like SL.he 4gtn lions hv a couple of world class talant nd lankans always playing as a unit nt lyk south african whm try to depend on more then couple of own talant.bt truth is they never play as a unit datz y they dnt do well in pressue situtions.

POSTED BY
Ameega
on | December 31, 2011, 11:24 GMT

@anon11, SL fans have not shown any big mouths here. Their team has been unreasonably condemned, and now they are delighted, after their team's great performance. Do not expect all to be perfect like you. Having said that, I too predict 80:20 SA win, because of their superb bowling attack.

POSTED BY
on | December 31, 2011, 10:45 GMT

@piyo thanda 'after playing thirty years in sa ?' i want to give you a information that SA started their international cricket in 1992 after a ban.if we calculate this things there playing test cricket for 19 years after the ban.how we play 30 years in SA.plese have some cricket knowledge before commenting.
chillax.

POSTED BY
anon11
on | December 31, 2011, 7:34 GMT

@ Ryan Stephen Being a SL fan i too agree with you. I see many SL fans insult Kepler wessels unnecessary. Wessels underestimated the SL tm and the tm give him n all the critics a reply.Earlier I too somewhat agreed with Kepler abt our balling attack. it s true media make a hype abt all the things, these ppl dnt understnd that. But not every SL fan is like that.My mind tells me, SA win the 3rd test because of SL fans big mouth.

POSTED BY
CharlesCrasto
on | December 31, 2011, 0:45 GMT

@ Max Ratnatunge: Buddy, your statement should say 'Thanks to my Pakistani brothers and sisters' as Fatima and Faryal are girls :)
@ Amol_Ind_SA: My friend, there may be some truth in your statement; but let me assure you that the majority of us Pakistani are respectful of the Indian team, and do hold them in awe. As a matter of fact, all cricket lovers love and respect all good players. Peace to all. Cricket and its followers rock!!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 22:24 GMT

All these inflated reactions toward kepler expose a serious degree of insecurity within SL fans, you guys need to understand that the media ALWAYS blow things out of proportion, it's their job to create a stir, that's how they make their money. Watch how South Africans are branded chokers almost everytime we lose a match. Sorry for not being invincible

POSTED BY
Alexk400
on | December 30, 2011, 21:16 GMT

i am outsider. Rangana herath is like zaheer khan. wiley and cunning and fighter to some extent. He can be game winning bowler if he has enough support. With welegadara , he can be good against any team especially he can be good against pakistan because pakistanis are agressive. Anyone aggressive against herath tend to get out. if you are aggressive suddenly he see lots of option to get out. One mistake is good enough. Only controlled aggression works well against herath. I still think he is a good find. They won't find another murali though. Murali had a skill that can wrap up all tail. Rangana is more good bowler against top6 not against tail. He may get lucked out here. He is more good against good batsman.

POSTED BY
Morfi
on | December 30, 2011, 21:16 GMT

Absolutely brilliant victory! Thrilled and most happy for SL - this is coming from a Pakistani fan! SL's recent performances had been disheartening - but they have turned it around - great call for Mahela to captain again! Love the Lankan team - good luck for the next matches guys!

POSTED BY
josh2david
on | December 30, 2011, 21:02 GMT

I just want to say about people who wriitten off SL with short term failure, SL always underdogs they could bounce back unexpectedly and SL matches are always interesting to watch as always some excitements.

POSTED BY
ScareCrow93
on | December 30, 2011, 18:42 GMT

Goodness me! Where did that come from? Good to see these kind of cricket matches. Next match will be really interesting.. I think Sangakkara is the best batsman of this era. It's very pleasing to watch his batting. also AB de villiers. Great players.

POSTED BY
piyo_thanda_jiyo_thanda
on | December 30, 2011, 17:58 GMT

Congratulations to Sri Lankan TIGERS. After winning one test match after THIRTY YEARS of playing in SA.

POSTED BY
Cric_info_pak
on | December 30, 2011, 17:54 GMT

well i am surprised that south africa is beaten by srilanka ... my regards to srilanka team but icc should look in this test how can some one beat a team after they defeat them in last test very easly ....no offence to srilankan team just look very fishy to me..... because srilanka was playing quite bad n suddenly they beat the best team in their home ground so easly ...... any how congr. to srilanka team

POSTED BY
2.14istherunrate
on | December 30, 2011, 17:53 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka-good to see that the obituaries for SL cricket were premature and that you are not about to slide off into oblivion.

POSTED BY
Mfalme
on | December 30, 2011, 15:45 GMT

The SL team was on UNPAID leave. Now that their salary is paid they are back to work. Well done SL. Good Luck for 2012 and rest of the tour. Though they faltered in this test SA are a very good team. They will come back hard. So don't take them lightly and write about them in a slighting way like Mr. KW did about SL. SA don't make disparaging remarks. (Mr. KW is not of SA up bringing, was that the reason???). Still SL has to be consistent to totally dismiss his remarks. To do so they should abandon their T20 approach to batting; best solution except for a few key players have differently talented players for the three different formats. Especially T20. Also seriously consider Wettimuny's recommendation. It will help unearth some real talent including freakish and exciting cricketers. All the best SL.

POSTED BY
Trapper439
on | December 30, 2011, 15:00 GMT

As an Aussie fan whose first season of really watching cricket included the likes of Mendis, de Silva and Ratnayake, I'm delighted that SL has conquered one of its frontiers. I'll be supporting the Lankans in the 3rd Test, in the hope that they can conquer another.

POSTED BY
Amol_Gh
on | December 30, 2011, 14:42 GMT

Ahamed Afker: Don't generalize things, bro. I have no idea about others but I never left this site. I did accept both IND's and SA's defeats gracefully and one thing is clear. Both teams have a room for changes and improvement and both have to do EXACTLY THAT at a very short notice. OR ELSE Nothing leaves a bad taste in the mouth like a defeat in a the very first test of a new year.

POSTED BY
Amol_Gh
on | December 30, 2011, 14:36 GMT

In all fairness towards SRL-fans, I would like to say : at least SRL-fans aren't nasty which PAK-fans are. SRL-fans do seem to have a big heart. But the point to remember is that the support that PAK-fans are projecting towards SRL-fans is more as a result of hatred towards IND than anything else. Anyway that was a great win by SRL and also good overall for Sri-lankan cricket too. As for SA's defeat they have to blame themselves, especially the selection process.

Congrats SL, while you fully deserve the success, don't be surprised at what you will likely face in the next Test. South Africa are most likely to come out with all guns blazing and win the match and the series. As for South Africa, what's wrong with you guys? Why the heck can't you stomp an opposition to death when you have the upper hand? SA could have so easily gone to the top of the rankings. I am really looking forward to the series against England next year.

POSTED BY
Amol_Gh
on | December 30, 2011, 14:30 GMT

That was some great batting from SRL, especially the Two century-makers. At least Sanga is better than Mahela but Samarweera too came out as a surprise. A century against SA in SA against SA bowlers should always be appreciated by heart. Great job for an historic win ! As far as SA is concerned: I hope the selectors get really strict now, with the Batters that is. If beating SRL in SA is going to be that tough then, there's still ENG and AUS to come. But right now there's the shorter aim to win the very first match of a new year and also win the first HOME series in last ..how many years ? Can't even recall. Meanwhile, I'm going back to IND's home page...

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 14:28 GMT

It was indeed a tearful moment... We had no hopes to be honest...kepler's ideas made us feel like what we experienced 20 years ago in cricket.the only way to show the world that we put the nation ahead of wealth, personal satisfaction is by making the nation proud...all the best for the 3rd test and please don't let us down...what we ask is for a respectable game... good cricket and preferably a happy result...may the blessings of lakmatha be with you!

POSTED BY
Amol_Gh
on | December 30, 2011, 14:28 GMT

That was some great batting from SRL, especially the Two century-makers. At least Sanga is better than Mahela but Samarweera too came out as a surprise. A century against SA in SA against SA bowlers should always be appreciated by heart. Great job for an historic win ! As far as SA is concerned: I hope the selectors get really strict now, with the Batters that is. If beating SRL in SA is going to be that tough then, there's still ENG and AUS to come. But right now there's the shorter aim to win the very first match of a new year and also win the first HOME series in last ..how many years ? Can't even recall. Meanwhile, I'm going back to IND's home page...

POSTED BY
TellingRF
on | December 30, 2011, 14:13 GMT

Where's Mr. EMPTY WESSELS ? I can't hear much NOISE!!! Surely SA couldn't have lost to a Club Team ?

Last time the big mouthed Pat Symcox knocked SL, they knocked SA out of the 2003 World Cup.

POSTED BY
07sanjeewakaru
on | December 30, 2011, 14:04 GMT

It's really worthwhile to read cricinfo article titled" SL need a christmas miracle" in the SL vs SA forum.Read the passages about Samaraweera,Dilshan,Kallis.Don't forget to read all the comments.Then the Kepler Wessals remarks about" Pedestrian bowling attack"in the video blog.Test cricket is most safest place to make such a predictions.But there are exceptions.The game is in the field not at the commentary box or in the articles or forums.I think this is one of the most humiliating blow the sporting media ever received.SL did this in the past.In 2003 they all out for 66 to AUS-A and score 343 against AUS in the VB.Last year after 107/8(when presentation ceremony already prepared) achieved 240/9.Won the 96 WC when nobody predicted.SL cricket future is not the brightest.But there is some light.We hanging over there.As usual.

POSTED BY
jonnybtestmatch
on | December 30, 2011, 13:40 GMT

Is it me or does anyone think the techniques of international batsmen are less than 10 years ago. The minute a pitch does something either seem or spin one side's batsmen really struggle. This year India were well short on good decks in Eng but with good swing bowling. In SA both Aus and SA showed frailties when the ball seemed. In the 1st test Sri Lanks looked weak against seam bowling. In the 2nd test the SA batsmen looked out of their depth when the ball spun for Herath. In the PAK vs BNG series the BNG players looked troubled when the ball spun. In India in ODI series ENG batsmen looked mystified with spinning ball. I think possibly the number of T20 matches are allowing for sub standard techniques. I don't think the questions people raise about pitches are justified as class batsmen can score on any pitch eg Lara, Sachin, Hayden, Sanga. I just feel there is not any batsmen of this class coming through since the advent of t20

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 13:01 GMT

tears of joy....:) no words to describe..love our great lion team..jayasri lanka

POSTED BY
nimal183
on | December 30, 2011, 12:39 GMT

Don't get carried away guys keep up the hard work!!! A draw will do in the next test!!!

POSTED BY
malsi
on | December 30, 2011, 12:35 GMT

Congratulations and well played Sri Lanka, But lets focus on the third test without too much carried away with the results, Rangana, loved the way you used the old and the new ball. SA will come back hard on the third ... Dilshan, you need to score ... period ...

POSTED BY
truth1
on | December 30, 2011, 12:30 GMT

This is one of the greatest victories we have seen in recent times. Congrats to SL. its not just their day to enjoy but our hearts beat with them in their happiness. I personally think Sangakara is the greatest batsman I have ever seen. He is my favourite batsman. In stressful times his resolve is like a stone against any attack and anywhere in the world. His name "sang" means stone in urdu anyway.If I were a captain, he will be the first one in my team and rest of eleven I will select later. Congrats again.

POSTED BY
randikaayya
on | December 30, 2011, 12:20 GMT

@AlanGaskson: Don't take it personal mate, nothing here is said against any SAffers fan. Just that Kepler asked for it and so did Ackerman and Haysmen. We have always respected the respectful teams like Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies! I'm currently overjoyed by the win and want to bask in the glory the whole weekend, so perhaps I will put some more sane comments for the next games. Good Luck to India vs the Aussies!

POSTED BY
WTEH
on | December 30, 2011, 11:56 GMT

This is what you say a good team play. Everybody chipped in, good one lads. Keep it up.!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 11:53 GMT

Hay!!! where is Kepler Wessels!!! Thanks man!!! You are the one who motivate our team(SRI LANKAN). please tell something for the third test!!! Shall we send our A team?

POSTED BY
jonnybtestmatch
on | December 30, 2011, 11:52 GMT

Excellent cricket by Sri Lanka throughout the test and they desrved their win. As an English fan the sight of SA at the present provides no fear. I think there must be changes with selection if they are to move forawrd. There was such an air of inevitability with Prince and Boucher failing when the pressure was on that must worry the SA fans. Prince really is useless and I can't see a future for him. He has virtually no options against spin and can only effectivley block allowing the pressure to build. Same with Boucher, although has been a good servant, his time is surely up. Peterson should definitley be reinstated and given a long run in the side as he is genuinley class. I bleieve strangley that SA lost this match as they did not go after Herath and let him bowl maidens and thus applying pressure for Welgedara to flourish. Next test the SA batsmen need to attack from the off as he really will not threaten too much, then with a defernsive field they can nudge 1's all day long.

It seems that the Durban pitch has changed dramatically over the last few years from one of the quickest and bounciest wickets in the world to a much slower track. I think that this is a good thing as SA needs to develop some prowess on the more subcontinent type pitches. Twice now they have been hopelessly outplayed in Durban by subcontinent teams. To be a truely great team (and there is no team that is great at the moment) you need to be able to win on all kinds of surfaces.

I would like to see SA play more games in Durban, warm up games, practice games and tests so that, come touring time in India and Sri Lanka, they can play competitive cricket.

At the moment a lot of cricket is very predictable. A quick bouncy wicket and SA and Aus and England will likely beat a sub continenet team. A low slow or spinning wicket and teh sub continenet team will likely win. Great teams play well on all pitches

POSTED BY
Cvic
on | December 30, 2011, 11:44 GMT

If you analyzed 1st test and 2nd test you can see how Sri Lankan batting progressed till 5th wicket in 1st inning. No much difference 156/5 in 1st test and 162/5 in 2nd. 100 + partnership done the miracle. simply it's pass the pressure to SA. It's going to be a risky job if SL depend on 6th wicket stand. if one of 1st 4 wicket can put up 100+ partnership can easily dive towards safe total. SL must improve a lot.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 11:29 GMT

Congratulation SL! G.Sri, Amol_Ind_SA, vallavarayer, S.Devadiga Where were you all these days?..What happen to 3-0 results (SA favour). I think your IND prove again they are really tiger in abroad?? Isn't it. I don't think you all come again at this sight. Anyway Thank to PAK supporters who are sport us. Well done boys, this is the start of new era and go to cape town and win for us.If not at least draw the match.SL bashers pls think before you say anything. Special thanks to Thilan,Chandimal,Sanga,Rangana,and all.

POSTED BY
Valavan
on | December 30, 2011, 11:22 GMT

Comon SL, wishes for your win, Dilshan coming to party means what? He is nowhere near GC Smith , Amla or Kallis in Tests. SA shuffled the team for 2nd test, but anyway it was herath who did the magic along with samaraweera, i think philander will be back in next test, so far SL had no answers to him, make sure you handle him, still my money on SA for 2 - 1. Good on SL to make a win in SA as many Indian fans criticized them. cricinfo please publish

POSTED BY
Zohaib.R.Q.
on | December 30, 2011, 11:04 GMT

Great Win provided the pressure they were in. @Ramesh for the record Sanga is a way better player than Sehwag. he is a class apart
Regards

POSTED BY
keptalittlelow
on | December 30, 2011, 10:58 GMT

Congratulations Sri Lanka, come on spare a thought for the Sri lankans, they have been down and out for most of the year. Kumar Sangakara definitely ranks along with Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. However it once again highlights the chronic fragility of South African cricket, they still cant take pressure, well Mr. kirsten what have you got to say?

POSTED BY
gularan
on | December 30, 2011, 10:48 GMT

Sri Lanka would have learnt that it will be concerted teamwork that will keep them in the frame in future and not sporadic one hit wonders like inthe past. I still think Dilshan is a misfit as the captain of the side and hope that they dont mess up the third and final test riding on the current wave of euphoria . A draw will suffice to keep reputations intact and national pride going. Viva Sri Lanka, may the triple gem guide and keep you.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 10:39 GMT

cum on Kepler show your lovely face !!!!!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 10:31 GMT

Glad for SL test team. We need a good competent SL cricket test team at the international level. Adds a different dimension to the mix.

POSTED BY
mubee
on | December 30, 2011, 10:20 GMT

as a south african i should say tht prince should had sacrificed his wicket...the match could ve gone for fifth day..with amla and de viller still on the pitch..

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 9:59 GMT

Congratulations Sri Lanka. Kumar Sangakara is to be ranked along with Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sewag as an all tome Great. He plays brilliantly when Srilanka is in dire straits. The Experts from England,South Africa and Australia always term wickets which do not assist their fast bowlers as Flat track. Hence they side track & under rate performances in the Sub Continent Their failure in subcontinental pitches against quality spin is over looked and they tend to blame pitches in the subcontinent as flat tracks where batsmen from the subcontinent overwhelm their Fast bowlers. Their spinners are with a few exceptions, are not world class and cannot run through the opposition. Hence wickets in the sub continent are "substandard" I do not see any reason why we give so much importance to what Wessel said about Srilanka. Not long ago they were saying that the West Indies were a boring team with relentless fast bowling and no variety when W.I were mowing their batsmen.

POSTED BY
Urajapakse
on | December 30, 2011, 9:48 GMT

Great job boys, We are very proud of you. Think this is only the start of a another 'great era'. Play as a team. Put the COUNTRY BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE. Then the rest will be HISTORY.

All the very best for the rest of the series. Happy new year.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 9:44 GMT

Its amazing how these Pakistani brothers support our Sri Lankan team.. Thank you so much brothers.. Hey Waseem Amir Rana, Fatima and Faryal Khalil People in your country is awesome.. Just as you three.. :)

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 9:41 GMT

Some Srilankan fans talk as if they have won the series . haha there is another test match remember . Anyway congratulations Srilanka you proved you can play away from home . Well better then India.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 9:35 GMT

Congrates to Dilshan & the team.You surprised whole cricket world.Even though we win ,few things need to be addressed.1.Sri lankan cricket need new selection commitee with the correct people like Aravinda ,Sidath.In the third match we need two changes 1.We must try out always bench Dumuth Karunarathne for out f from Para. 2.Dhammika Prasad need to replace Thisara perera.For the one day series ,we need to recall Maharoof & Kandamby since they played well in the resently concluded domestic series.Finally tribute to the umires of the 2nd match.Both teams used DRS in minmum level and most of the time when called for review ended up wuth unsuccessful.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 9:33 GMT

wish DILSHAN,MAHELA back to form in 3rd test.SA will be nothing if these guys returns.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 9:24 GMT

nice work boys ... keep it up...

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 9:16 GMT

@ Shanaka Kumara. Nice com. dear brother.

POSTED BY
LALITHKURUWITA
on | December 30, 2011, 9:11 GMT

SL will loose the 3rd test because too much noice about the first win SA. Lion will go to sleep again.

POSTED BY
ranilranathunga
on | December 30, 2011, 8:40 GMT

Where is Kepler Wessels?? SA almost lost by innings to SL in SA pitches

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 8:26 GMT

Wow!!! Congrats Sri Lanka. Really this is an excellent team work as Dilshan told. Carry on the same Spirit & positive mind to win the 3rd test match and grab the series. As our commentators says our 3rd test need a New Year miracle. All the best Sri Lanka. Wish you Happy New year 2012.

POSTED BY
padmal
on | December 30, 2011, 8:22 GMT

SA 'A' = SA Without vernon Philander

SA = With Vernon P

SA can not win any further, without Philander.................
Who bets?????????????

For the next match SL should include Dhammika P instead of T. Perera. DP is hitting the deck hard n will be lethal in the 3rd match for sure....

POSTED BY
gimme-a-greentop
on | December 30, 2011, 8:22 GMT

good on Sri Lanka for making SA pay for their complacency in this test match. After the first test thay went onto auto-pilot for this game and paid the price. There is no sure thing in cricket! But go easy on Kepler everyone, he only gave his opinion like he is paid to do, and to be fair, he's not the only one who was saying what he said, which was based on Sri Lanka's recent form. I think we should all just learn to enjoy the skilled players the various cricketing countries produce. I am South African, but love watching the talent of guys like Sanga, Mahela, Thilan, Malinga, Mendis etc etc.. Just enjoy the cricket and leave the personal stuff out

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 8:17 GMT

Well done Sri Lankans well done

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 8:16 GMT

Victory without Murali is still possible...

POSTED BY
onebump
on | December 30, 2011, 8:09 GMT

Interesting that Sri Lankans are considered bad players of pace bowling, but no mention of how SA have given herath 9 wickets in the match! By the way in my opinion, Herath is a fantastic bowler who had to wait in the sidelines for years till Murali retired. He is the only spinner to have survived during the Murali era. Many good spinners came along and did not get a continued run in the side as only one spinner (or bowler) was needed most often. Good for you to rangana to hang in there and perform!

POSTED BY
qpsk123
on | December 30, 2011, 7:58 GMT

Keep going SL boys. Perform with more aggression in the next match. Show your talents to rest of the world. Poor SA commentators..Never underestimate a team...

POSTED BY
Ignatiuscric
on | December 30, 2011, 7:53 GMT

Well Done Srilanka. I dont follow much of Srilanka cricket but the way you guys have come back in this game is astonishing. Most importantly you have replied to guys like Donald with your game who think that they are the best in business now. Kudos guys keep it up and be not like us (Indians)

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 7:50 GMT

Empty (W) vessels make most noise ... what an appropriate Asian saying.....

POSTED BY
erangaw
on | December 30, 2011, 7:47 GMT

when sri lanka play only all the MIRACLES happening to cricket world.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 7:39 GMT

Russel Arnold did a good Job too... :D

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 7:29 GMT

Great win..
But time to recall Upul Tharanga,Mendis,Kulasekara in to the squad & or Team.
Not happy with minister's decision about Kulasekara but including Samaraweera to the team is great.
Time to think about Paranavithana and Mathews.Kulasekara is better than Mathews.He is thinking cricketer.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 7:26 GMT

congrats for SL team for winning first ever test match at durban.Should it be right to say Rangana Herath had put his foot in Murli's shocks for winning matches for sr lanka.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 7:24 GMT

Something people did not notice too much. Rangana Herath is emerging as the most potent weapon in Post Murali period. He was key in the series against Aussies and now against Proteas. Old adage is right leg spinners are good like vines when they grow older .. After Ajith De Silva Sri Lanka did not have a good leg spinner and Rangana is already there claiming to be the best ever test leg spinner SL produced since Ajith did play a couple of test matches and his heroics wer in pre test era

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 7:20 GMT

well congo sl they played brilliantly i always said chandimal is very talented and he showed it well but i think sri were payed part payment by icc and immediately this well if cape town is a draw then sa would have have same results in test series at home agaisnt aus eng sri and ind and expect aus all others won in durban that tell a story sri need to sought it out sanga is just the dravid of india samawerra is laxman of india (underrated ) now its imp what use sri make of this win will they take it Cape town or go back to old and its a relief that sri last victory is not against us(india)

POSTED BY
Captain_Crick
on | December 30, 2011, 7:17 GMT

It's a good achievement to win in Durban against SA.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 7:14 GMT

Cheers Sri Lanka.......!
I would like to comment on Mr. Siddarth Ravindran (writer) article;
Because writer sees this win as " biggest upset of 2011" . with that statement writer tries to underestimate the Sri Lanka's win. If you watched test cricket in year 2011 you can notice biggest upsets easily. I think this this particular match is biggest upset for commentators.
Please compare this win with others: see link below courtesy of Cricinfo:

This is a remarkable win for Sri Lankan Cricket......
Mind u ....... LANKANS THEY DO MIRACLES.......!

POSTED BY
FadeToBlack
on | December 30, 2011, 6:53 GMT

A brlliant victory by the SL team. Congratulations. Enjoy this victory and keep the focus on the third test. A series win in SA will be a truly special achievement. As a diehard SL supporter it is a relief to see a test win after 2 years. Thanks to our friends from Pakistan (especially), India and Aussie for their words of encouragement.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 6:53 GMT

Great Job SL Team u have done it....... You guys can win the series

Wow Sangakara Your genius batsman. In my book Sangakara always on top batsman list he always performed whn lanka needs he is class act in my opinion he is currently the best batsman of the world without any doubt

POSTED BY
donda
on | December 30, 2011, 6:40 GMT

Good job Sri lanka , infect great job. But what we have learnt that Sri Lankan fast bowling is worse than ever. It was once again spinner who won the match for them.

I have no hope for sri lanka in next match because SA will make a fast pace pitch and destroy srilankan batting to win the series and until and unless Srilankan fast bowlers once in lifetime perform and win match or even save series.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 6:34 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka !!!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 6:33 GMT

No words to say,this is a great great victory,we are very proud the way our SL players achieved this,now we should focus on next game at Cape Town.there are some areas we have to improve.Tharanga should be dropped,he didn't contributed much in last 2 matches.Dilshan should get more responsibility to go for his century in SA.Chandimal you have shown how capable bastman you are.but you have to be paitent to go for lots of centuries.we need big hundreds from you,Mathews i donn't know what a stupid you are,having selected as a genuine all rounder what are you doing,as a vice captain you should be responsible to carry on as an anchor role in the side.we know you have the ability to do,you have done these earlier,but unfortunately we haven't seen in last 3,4 test from you,how many times you have offered your wicket very cheaply even after fighting hard.pls think seriously & detirmin to win next test.Pls bring Ajantha Mendis back,we can easily win the series,wish you all the very best.

POSTED BY
heshan666
on | December 30, 2011, 6:32 GMT

well done sL.you got your paid and bounced back.i want to turn now towards ''keppler wessels''.what did he say before the test match and what does he say now???.anyone can't underestimate a team like srilanka.yes they were under a cloud,but everyone know what they did since 1996 worldcup.hope sL will repeat in capetown.They are mently strong than SA."a series win in southafrica" that should be their next target.

POSTED BY
cric11s
on | December 30, 2011, 6:29 GMT

ohh..c'mon "Kepler"! you can do do better than this!! LOL

POSTED BY
jinath
on | December 30, 2011, 6:25 GMT

lol see how Kepler Wessels talking so rudely .. i want to know what he have to say now
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/video_audio/545874.html

POSTED BY
cricketcrazy555
on | December 30, 2011, 6:24 GMT

Congratulations to Srilankan cricket team, you r the best sub-continent team in the world.

POSTED BY
Roshini
on | December 30, 2011, 6:19 GMT

Congrats boys! Well played! What a courage's win and a superb come back after a real hiding in the first test. Boys have proved all doubters wrong including myself to register the first ever win on SA soil. Feels great. Let this victory herald a new beginning in SL cricket. All we ask and want is consistency from our cricketers and bring our "A GAME" back on to the park like before. While crediting Sangakkara, Herath and Welagedera for their superb showing, I may not be wrong in saying the real deal was to have Samaraweera and Chandimal included in the side. What a difference they made to the side. Brilliant!!! GO LIONS GO....best of luck guys for the decider and please ensure this is not a mere flash in the pan. Roshini Vass - Homagama Sri Lanka

POSTED BY
isuruwj
on | December 30, 2011, 6:16 GMT

I remember a supporter of SA who made a comment after the Centurion test stating that SA will win this series 3-0 and even if the series was played in Sri Lanka, SA would still win 2-0 or 1-0.
I hope you understand that SL is not a minnow and has far better cricketing victories than SA.
Have you guys even won a world cup??? You have not even made a world cup final...
Next time, think and post good fair comments that would not lead to humiliation....

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 6:15 GMT

Give wessels a break, anyone in the world can see that the RSA team is better on paper.

Intikahb Ishak....you mean to say sri lankans dont support Pakistan? huh must be a joke I guess sri lankans support pakistan much more than any other nation. Most of my friends dont support india as a team for their big attitude but for few players like Sachin, Dhoni & Dravid. But in pakistan's case we support the pakistani team but for few players big mouth like Saeed Ajmal & a very few.......better revisit your comment.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 5:45 GMT

Mr. Kepler Wessel converted to Empty Vessel - Ifthi

POSTED BY
birdz_eye
on | December 30, 2011, 5:41 GMT

Well played Srilanka you showed the desperation for victory & you got it. As a Pakistani fan I cheer for New Zealand & Sri Lanka & both have shown good sporting fighting spirit along with Team Pakistan which is great for cricket as we are watching more even matches now :)

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 5:37 GMT

So, "Since Murali" talk is dead and buried, finally. Feel good for our players who triumphed over all difficulties and criticism. Wonderful all round effort from everyone. Dilshan also made his critics eat their words. From the moment he won the toss, bravely electing to bat, setting the tone with his batting and handling bowlers, especially Dilhara, all his usual positive style.
Every team needs a Samaraweera. Chandimal...What can we say. I was fearing he may fail in 2nd Inns. Not him. What a phenom. Herath showed no need to spin the ball a lot to be great spinner. Welagedera much underrated. Sanga, no need to say. The bad dream which started with dropping Gambir's catch in WC is hopefully over.
Important to maintain the confidence and discipline for the next match and thereafter. Now you know you can do it.
Shameful the insulting comments of many SL fans. Come on guys, it's not our way. Learn to be humble in victory. Maybe it's a bit of neighbourly influence
Hope for wonderful 2012.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 5:30 GMT

South Africa must be the only country that has a better A team than their international team! better bring them on to the third match!
a little lesson for everyone, never underestimate Lions!

POSTED BY
eagal
on | December 30, 2011, 5:28 GMT

lions eat springboks and then watch out Kepler

POSTED BY
stormy16
on | December 30, 2011, 5:25 GMT

Never in my wildest dreams did I think this was remotely possible and full credit to SL was a truely splendid show. SA were no where at any stage in the game with bat or ball! The only time they had a look was when SL were 150/5 in both innings but the debutant Chandimal on both occassions showed some real class to ensure there were runs on the board. Two classy hundreds against a serious bowling unit made the difference while SA failed to cope with a weak bowling unit that bowled unbelievably well. SL after a long time showed some real fight and class and it's great to see and we can only hope this is a sign of things to come. Mahela and Dislhan did little in that game and they really need to be counted in the 3rd. No doubt the call went out Newlands last night to start watering the wicket so expect a green top for the 3rd.

POSTED BY
SandunT
on | December 30, 2011, 5:25 GMT

Hope wessels will consider to send the 1st eleven team for next test..... Well done boys.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 5:21 GMT

Nice slap o Kepler Vessels ....
Even cricinfo yes this is CHRISTMAS MIRACLE like your site said before start the 2nd test (Sri Lanka need a Christmas Miracle to Win this Match)

Hooray....

POSTED BY
Major_Hammad
on | December 30, 2011, 5:20 GMT

Congratulation to Srilanka for great win....

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 5:16 GMT

Sri lanka have another two challenge Win a test match in India & Australia.That why we state the importance of Thilan & Dinesh

Congrat Lankans!

& good future Dinesh Chandimal

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 5:15 GMT

To Mr Kepller Wesells, hooooooooooooooooooooooo............

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 5:12 GMT

South Africa is the only country which has a better second level team than their National Team.

Srilanka!!!!! You beauty!!!!!! I have been a SL basher all my life, At the start of this series I wished them 0-3 loss....Now I'm in dearth of words to praise them. Did anyone expect them to win in SA??? No...Not even in the wildest of my dreams. I now want SL to beat SA and win the series 2-1.....proud of you guys. My team India looks sheepish now down under going into the Sydney test, hopefully we turn the tables!

POSTED BY
Marcio
on | December 30, 2011, 4:49 GMT

Good to see the Lankans get up for a big win. So where are these vitrioloic English posters who wrote that Eng and SA are far ahead of all other teams at the moment. AUS and SL just drew with SA on away tours. Maybe things are a bit closer than you think.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 4:47 GMT

Good see most PAK fans supporting SL, but in SL they never ..............

Well done Lanka especially Samaraweera and Sanga in batting and Herath and Welegedera in bowling. Even SAF now have to chuck out Prince, Boucher, Morkel and Rudolph. They are making the team look ordinary, or as Wessels who one had hit Kapil Dev with a bat rightly said this may be the SAF A team.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 4:35 GMT

LIONS ROAR AGAIN AFTER DA WORLD CUP !!!!! welldone boys....so proud 2 be a srilankan :D

POSTED BY
Lakpj
on | December 30, 2011, 4:32 GMT

I was wondering whether this is the SA B team, because Wessels said even their A team can beat SL. there is a famous say 'Empty vessels make the most noise'. lolzz

POSTED BY
anver777
on | December 30, 2011, 4:29 GMT

"Herath the Hero" well played !! its a wonderful feeling as a SL fan...keep up the good work !!!!!

POSTED BY
anver777
on | December 30, 2011, 4:26 GMT

A memorable & morale boosting win for SL team......now the team can march to 2012 with lots of courage & self belief.... my best wishes to the whole team for 2012 !!!!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 4:23 GMT

Start of a new Era !!!!!!!!

POSTED BY
nilakshan.anand
on | December 30, 2011, 4:21 GMT

im a die hard fan of srilanka,almost a year and half i waited to see such a big win with the worlds top team SA..srilankan proves they can rise up from down under.. im happy to see them winning on this big occation.hope they can win many more matches and series..chandimal played well like a pro on the debut match,he should be made permanent wicket keeper batsman in the side..finally dilshan got a relief by the first match win as captain..keep on playing the gud game srilanka..

POSTED BY
ami77
on | December 30, 2011, 4:20 GMT

Give 10 Test series out side sub continent over the span of 15 years (from 96 when SL moved up being minnows). And making sure those tours are mostly 1 match or two. 3 Test match tour is hard to find for SL. Then it's so easy to complain that SL is not winning away from sub continent. I am happy that world cricket has offered more matches for India and Pakistan out from sub continent. Otherwise they too will have the exact same problem so that these writers could establish a fact that sub continent teams don't win out side sub continent.
Hope crickets fans are bit more grown up these days and educated enough to know un-presented stats of how many Test matches SL gets out side sub continent and how frequent.
There are many years that SL didn't get a single match away from sub continent. So one would just go on and write that SL didn't win a single match away form continent without revealing that they didn't get a single match to play. Well done SL team.

POSTED BY
Navaid-Hussain
on | December 30, 2011, 4:10 GMT

well done and much need win.

POSTED BY
satanswish
on | December 30, 2011, 4:09 GMT

Graeme Smith was more worried about Kingsmead jinx rather concentrating on attacking lame Srilankans. Hope they comeback hard at lankans in the final test & win series. Otherwise they will be tagged 'Chokers' for the lifetime.

POSTED BY
CricketScareCrow
on | December 30, 2011, 4:09 GMT

Wooo.. Finally Sri lanka a victory for our fans -KEEP GOING BOYS- and yeah gotta mention AB and Amla for their solid innings Nice Knocks but what i really gotta mention is the officiating of umpires SJ Davis and RA Kettleborough They were absolutely spot on if I'm right not a single decision was overturned . Forget about DRS when you got these type of officials its like they have DRS installed in their heads!!!!

POSTED BY
sukantc
on | December 30, 2011, 3:56 GMT

Congratulations Sri Lanka. I followed this game yesterday and it was nice to see them win. Waiting for a good knock from Mahela. Sri Lanka needs to find a couple of good young batsman who will serve them for a long time. This will give the middle order more stability.

Sukant

POSTED BY
Blueangle
on | December 30, 2011, 3:48 GMT

I cant see comments from Indian fans here today. It was good to see the so-called world's best side humiliated by Aussies and minnow srilanka (labeled by indian fans) gunned down mighty SA.....Go tigers...Keep the momentum going...

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 3:48 GMT

Congratulations srilanka. Great to see subcontinent team winning overseas. Hope you people carry on the good work and win the series from here.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 3:45 GMT

Is this the ending of SL's winning drought?

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 3:45 GMT

There we go Test Cricket again shows it's not about Reputations, Past History or Expert reviews it's the "king of games" Real test of character for the players, It's all about battling for five long days and the team which wins the most sessions it's about the team holds their nerves and the team who can hold their fitness who will win this game.
Many says pressure on touring team maybe but home team go through immersive pressure for sure.
One thing for sure Srilanka cricket have re discovered their strengths after a very long time that's to play their brand of cricket "Attack Attack Attack" and Never give up the Fight till the End which been thought by the great Arjuna, he never gave up. So I am Happy finally they have discovered it.
A great thank to u Chandimal there is no fear in Ur ayes

POSTED BY
IanJF
on | December 30, 2011, 3:43 GMT

Ladies & Gentlemen - Kepler has left the building..!

POSTED BY
snail29
on | December 30, 2011, 3:41 GMT

This was a great win for Sri Lanka and the joy that was on the field afterwards definitely made me smile...hope they can repeat this for the third test!!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 3:39 GMT

I guess south africans A,better than south african national side.....according to kepler wessels idea.....:D :D

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 3:39 GMT

a memorable win! kudos to the boys. i hope the administrators get their act together and do a good job so we can repeat the glories of late 90's and early 2000. however the board should also understand that cricket is not won by no of grounds but by quality players. its time they invest on players and quality pitches rather than slow turners which kills the game. lions take a bow youve made us proud!

POSTED BY
me54321
on | December 30, 2011, 3:30 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka!! It was really enjoyable watching the parts of this match that I could. Hope they can go on from this, and put the recent troubles behind them. It won't be easy though; the Sri Lankan players need to stay grounded until the series is over, and South Africa will surely come back hard in the final test. As great as this result is, to be brutally honest I don't think the Sri Lankans suddenly have a good team. I still think they have a pretty poor set of players at the moment.

POSTED BY
dekay
on | December 30, 2011, 3:17 GMT

Well done SL Lions (not tigers)

POSTED BY
isuruwj
on | December 30, 2011, 3:16 GMT

These arrogant SA commentators got a good answer.
Now they are complaining about the pitch... huh...
If it's a flat track, how come welegedera get 5 wickets in 1st innings, stayen get good shape, Morkel and De Lange get both swing and bounce.
SL batsmen thoroughly outplayed the SA batsmen. That's the truth.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 3:00 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka..! May this be the beginning of a new ERA for SL cricket..! This victory is a great morale booster..! Don't forget we have more things to correct in our team selection, decision making etc. But great work and Good start..! - And as for Kepler Wessels - Let's give him back an answer of a 2-1 Sri Lanka Victory in the test series... Then his rudeness will be answered well...!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 2:59 GMT

Come on Kepler come up with something better than your previous comment, How about telling the SA team to pull them themselves from C team to B team??

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 2:58 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka.ENJOY this special victory.

Greetings from India :-)

POSTED BY
Ranawaka
on | December 30, 2011, 2:56 GMT

It was a great victory. Keep it up. We expect much more contribution from Mahela , Anjelo and Dilshan.
Congratulations to the winners and good wishes for both the teams for the New Year 2012.
Ranawaka H W

POSTED BY
RandyOZ
on | December 30, 2011, 2:53 GMT

Brilliant work Sri Lanka. I am very impressed. Herath was on fire. Test wins for SL, NZ and a great start by Zim have really boosted world cricket. Congrats to all my Sri Lankan friends!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 2:51 GMT

congratsss and best of luck for the third test

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 2:39 GMT

Where is Kepler Wessel's school side? like to play a game with them too

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 2:35 GMT

Waytago Srilanka! As a Pakistani, I'm always thrilled to see Sri Lanka win! Especially abroad! Despite the recent setbacks, Sri Lankas much better than other 'over-hyped' teams! Hope Sri Lanka takes the series! Best of luck!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 2:33 GMT

the green track bullies lost to falt track bullies..hah haa..

POSTED BY
nasharda
on | December 30, 2011, 2:32 GMT

I think its the time to MR kepler wessels to take his 'A' team out and try them to fight with Sri Lankans.think twice before giving judgments about a team.People are knowledgable than the analysers.

POSTED BY
rawcrickettalent
on | December 30, 2011, 2:28 GMT

Great win for Lanka!!!!! though I still think they need another good quick.....someone like Malinga or Vaas... but really a big win and congrats ...hope you win the series :D

POSTED BY
Ameega
on | December 30, 2011, 2:15 GMT

@Alan Gaskon, I cannot stop laughing, mate. You can complain about SL supporters' comments here only if you are Kep Wessels, pretending as Alan Gaskon. And if you are real Kep Wessels (LoL), then you deserve it!
By the way this boxing day tests were the best Christmas gift for English test team. India,No2 and SA, No3 were thrashed in a single day!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 2:15 GMT

conrau our boys. keep it up and beat SA in next test

POSTED BY
tennakoon63
on | December 30, 2011, 2:09 GMT

Well done boys. Good job Rangana. It was very nice to see you guys thrashing SA in their own turf. You guys silenced the critics like Wessels and Donald.

A win to savor for SL... I remember how i was overjoyed when India beat SA for the first time.. This is why the commentators and greats should shut up and not give degradary comments about any team.. Chappel did it in 2006 against WI by saying "They forgot to win matches" and ate the humble pie..

POSTED BY
Indiafan_from_Montreal
on | December 30, 2011, 1:59 GMT

What a fantastic victory for Sri Lanka! Compare this to the windbags from India going on about their second rate team. Here is a team rebuilding after the retirement of its superstar and the loss of their best quick bowler; they have put together a unit that can compete with the best. I look forward to many years of watching Sri Lanka excel.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 1:57 GMT

very proud about you...& you r not Cardboard heroes..:D

POSTED BY
ami77
on | December 30, 2011, 1:57 GMT

It's good to see Herath coming up strongly to replace Murali in the team. He has been a great bowler all the time but some how he had to live on the shadow of Murali and never got a fair chance to represent SL team. He got his chance very late and he is utilising it to the max. Well done Herath.
South Africa is one of my favourite team and they are very strong team as well. Unless ppl like Kepler try to overshadow the greatness of their cricket team with his bluff.. they will remain as my second fav for ever. Hope SL can pull out another great victory in the next.

POSTED BY
gayansumeera2
on | December 30, 2011, 1:56 GMT

Hat off to Chandimal!,I can further introduce him as the real hero of the match.If he hadn't played instead of Kaushal Silva Sri Lanka would have definitely lost the match.He played magnificently in both innings to get Sri Lanka out of trouble.Great player!!!I wish you the best of luck for his future international career.

POSTED BY
Prema1948
on | December 30, 2011, 1:44 GMT

If not for them the result wouldn't have been entirely different. In fact S'kara with his risky stroke play should bat low down, he is never suited for No 3 position, and his way of batting would raise the confidence level of the oposition bowlers. After all who has adjudged Herath as the Man of the match? It was by a team comprising commentators. One of them is a person who always looks after the interests of 3 seniors & the local selectors. At a time the Country has extremely talented players like, Angelo Perera, Bhanuka, Kausal, Dimuth, Thirimanne, Chathuranaga de silva,… Sachithra, Malinda, Umesh Karunarathna, Jayampathi,…there is no need of these very ordinary players & those that selectors have brought in to the Team from time to time for no valid reson.

POSTED BY
ami77
on | December 30, 2011, 1:44 GMT

It was true that Murali played a big role in SL cricket in past decade. He might be the best cricketer that SL has ever produced. But we had many other cricketing heroes to go hand in hand with him including Aravinda, Arjuna, Jayasuriya, Vaas, Sanga, Mahela, etc. SL has won many tests without Murali in the team or without much contribution from him. What happened to SL recently was we not only lost many great players at the same time like Murali, Vaas, Jayasuriya and Malinga but we had many issues with a bad cricket board and it's management. Many good players were kept away from team at the crucial times. In which country can Kepler Wesels find a team to win a Test against a good opposition in international level without paying salaries for the team for almost a year.
Well done Sanga, Chandimal, Thilan and Rangana Herath.

POSTED BY
Prema1948
on | December 30, 2011, 1:42 GMT

Mr HoneyB;Pls note, I don't have any personal vendettas but I love & value all Sri Lankan Cricketers (not only those representing the Country but all others who've contributed to maintain the quality of Cricket that we've b'n playing)who've brought Prestige,Honor&wealth in to this tiny Nation full of rogues&bogus heroes. However I can't justify these bias selections, when there are enough highly talented cric'ters who've maintained consistency from young age as 15. You've to find out the reasons why players like Charitha Buddika, Mubarak,2 Chamaras,Dilruwan were given opportunities to represent the Country. Not only Herath, 2 of the seniors too don't deserve a place in this Team, when we consider their recent performances. The top order has to be strengthened with batters who can play risk free innings.With their false, edgy, lofted stroke play have always made things difficult for the batters to follow. Luckily we had S'weera & 2 youngsters down in the batting order.TO BE CNTD.

POSTED BY
Shehan4u
on | December 30, 2011, 1:37 GMT

Congrats Team Sri Lanka..Very good answer for Kepler from the lions..And this win is important for other reasons also..Now the team have tasted victory they would want to taste it again in the next match..lot of self belief will be there playing in the 3rd test..Playing in south africa will not be a horror for them anymore..they will understand the importance of batting well in the first innings..and the batsman will understand that if you are determined to play your self in with disciplined shot selection, it gets easier once you go pass 40, 50 runs.. So hope they make note of these learnings from this test match

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 1:32 GMT

Before the Match - Cricinfo Says "Sri Lanka need a Christmas Miracle"
Now its happened & now where is the South African A Team..Lions are waiting for u.......Good Luck Sri lanka...

POSTED BY
RoJayao
on | December 30, 2011, 1:30 GMT

Not for the first time SA have got ahead of themselves, thinking they're pretty darn good and then forget to do more hard work. Nowhere was this more evident than after the Capetown win against Australia, still talked about of course in glowing terms.Yet it is conveniently forgotten in the tumult of Australia's terrible 47 that SA were also bowled out for a terrible sub 100 score and were actually very fortunate to win the test before getting beaten in the next test. And here again, humiliated by a team they've given little respect to. SA have some of the most talented players in the world but are one of the most ordinary teams with a very poor captain. Well done SL, you stuck it right up em!

POSTED BY
Balumekka
on | December 30, 2011, 1:17 GMT

For a die-hard Sri Lankan fan like me, this win brings up tears of joy. This is a much much needed result for a rebuilding team. Samaraweera clearly showed that he is a capable batsman in fast bouncy pitches as well. This year Sanga added two more feathers to his hat-test centuries in SA and England. Thanks very much Mr. Kepler Vessels for his encouraging words! LOL... Do not underestimate any team! Thanks for your greetings, our South Asian neighbors! Hope the next year gonna be a wonderful one for South Asian cricket! BTW, although this win levels the series, we have to play really well in cape town to draw the match as it will surely be a green pitch and Styen, Morkel, Phillander and de Lange must be handful on it!

POSTED BY
miles100
on | December 30, 2011, 1:17 GMT

Well done SL for the team effort.However I don't know whether anyone noticed that the real match winner was Dinesh Chandimal the confident & Gutsy youngster.If he had got out in the first innnings for no runs like Kaushal Silva did,SL would have got out under 200 runs again.Even Second innings if he hadn't played well,SL would have got all out under 175 runs.His wicket keeping is also better than all other keepers in SL.Chandimal was brought into the side when he was around 19.This gives him confidence. Kuashal Silva, Chamara Silva,Kandamby,Para were brought into the side at the age of 24/25. This is why they rarely win matches for Sri Lanka.By saying that as young comers to the side,Mubarak was a poor political selection.Talented Kapu & Mahroof lost their way & cool unlike Chandimal.Briefly,they should not only bring under 21 players to the national side,but also to guide them with mental toughness.Dilshan mentioned in an SL press conference to play a few good 19year olds on SL side.

POSTED BY
kalins
on | December 30, 2011, 1:06 GMT

Congrats Lions...I said before starting that SL will win in 2nd test. My word became true. Lets take the pride forward. Lions will wake and do big change.... SL rocks....

POSTED BY
Ameega
on | December 30, 2011, 1:04 GMT

Some people still think this is an upset. Can those people, please explain if I am wrong in followings kindly?
1. A century by Sanga is an upset? No!
2. A century by Sam is an upset? No!
3. Two fifties by DM is an upset? No! (Becos this is his first test and he has not set his test standards yet)

So, if you minus above performances from SL Totals, SL=SA.

There is no upset guys!

POSTED BY
Hondarocks
on | December 30, 2011, 0:58 GMT

Finally the Sri Lankan team is showing some fight. But that has to continue in the next match. We are in dire need of new talent in my opinion.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 0:57 GMT

Good luck boys and a great win,its still not over you guys have along way to go play as a team and you would get results in your favour.Good luck to the team in the coming year and keep our Sri-Lankan flag flying proudly in 2012.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 0:46 GMT

Now let's see what Mr. Wessels have to say.....

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | December 30, 2011, 0:43 GMT

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL PAKISTAN cricket fans for their heart warming congratulatory messages! PAKISTAN MUST GO ALL OUT TO HAMMER ENGLAND 3-0 IN TESTS, 4-0 IN ODIS AND 3-0 IN T20! Pakistan is definitely gonna get it!!

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 0:35 GMT

South Africa needs to stay away from Kingsmead for a few years. Its not a home track, its a neutral ground at best for the Proteas. Other than the lack of crowd support though, the blame must go to Boucher, Prince, Rudolph, and sadly, Kallis. Don't blame the curator or the pitch, the real problem w/ Kingsmead is the lack of support and success SA finds there. On top of that, the support for subcontinent teams is greatest there, as well! Time for CSA to find a different ground for important SA tests like this one.

POSTED BY
Ra_One_SL
on | December 30, 2011, 0:23 GMT

Well done SL. What a way to finish the long wait downfall, beating SA in their own backyard by 208 runs and one day to spare. Special thanks goes to Mr. Kepler Wessels for encouraging our players by making such a controversial statement. Lot of future plus points were seen in this victory. Welagedara is showing his ability to become the spearhead of SL attack. Chandimal secured his place in all formats of the game. Sanga lived up to the expectations as No.1 batsman in the world, while Sachin failed at MCG. Yet lot of things to improve. Mahela needs to be successful at Cape Town. Paranavitana's place is questionable. SA will bring the most greenish pitch with their "green pitch bullies" to Cape Town decider. So, SL need to play some sensible cricket there for lift this victory to its next level. Good Luck SL.

POSTED BY
Tit4Tat
on | December 30, 2011, 0:18 GMT

Many congrats to team Sri Lanka, from a Pak fan. It will really boost up the confidence of boys. BEST OF LUCK for the decider.

POSTED BY
RichardHadlee
on | December 30, 2011, 0:04 GMT

There were many, looking for Kepler Wessels. He has been consulting with Johannes Kepler about the Third Test.

POSTED BY
on | December 30, 2011, 0:03 GMT

This is the Christmas mirracle that anti Sri Lanka Indian writers were talking !

POSTED BY
yorkshirematt
on | December 29, 2011, 23:56 GMT

Very good win for SL and Sri lankans have a right to celebrate and enjoy it, BUT, it will all count for nothing if they lose the last test. A green top will be waiting for them in Cape Town and they'd better hope they win the toss.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 23:43 GMT

Mr.Kepler Wessels true to his word put out a South Africa B team. Where is your A team with Mr.T.? Kep in spite of all his cricketing experience should be ashamed of himself. Go the Sri Lankan Lions! Peter

POSTED BY
TYJAY
on | December 29, 2011, 23:42 GMT

Good win. But there are lot to improve for the 3rd Test.

I am not sure Paranavitana playing next game as he is struggling outside the off stump deliveries. His both dismissals were very ugly. Dilshan must change his game. He must determine to stay at the crease for a long time. Not just go there and throw bat for rubbish balls. Selectors must put some pressure on him.

Angelo Mathews should be dropped. He showed very bad cricket for youngsters like Chandimal. Chandimal is a good potential for SL. We must develop him. His second innings dismissal shows that he needs bit more guidance and how to deal with aggressive balling.

Sanga still need to improve his batting outside the off stump with new ball. Since two openers aren't doing, he's coming at no 3 he must learn how to play for the new ball out side his off stump.

Mahela is out of form and he needs to get back in the form.

We need 2 bowlers who can ball 140s consistently. I think I will take Prasad for Perera for the third test.

POSTED BY
Sageleaf
on | December 29, 2011, 23:41 GMT

Congratulations to the Sri Lankan cricket team, winning its first test in South Africa. Mr. Wessels and Mr. Donald, I guess you have to take good look at this result. As I commented on Donald's article few days ago before the test, it happened. You just cannot underestimate the heart of Sri Lankans. I like to say this to all the Indians who called us flat track bullies, what do you have to say now? If we play more with top test playing nations we could be the best team. You can put us down but cannot break out back one, our route is very strong. I think all Sri Lankans are very happy with this victory n we are very humble people too. I'm really happy for Tilan Samaraweera. I'm sure the selectors must have had a sleepless night. Rangana Herath and Dinesh Chandimal played superbly. Well Sanga, it was great knock.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 23:36 GMT

Last time SA toured SL - SA lost 2-0 in Tests & 5-0 in ODIs..SL have done better than SA in 2003,2007,2011,2020 T20,2009T20 WCs..SL have wo a WC & 3 time finalists...SL trashed them at their home last time SL played SA in 2009 ICC trophy,,But still look Kepler Wessel says ! The truth is SL A team is better than overrated SA national team

POSTED BY
yorkslanka
on | December 29, 2011, 23:34 GMT

Superb result and great news for me considering I was in lanzarote this morning at 23 degrees and now landed at Manchester and its 4 deg and raining! Considering the thrashing we got in the last test,we have show true spirit.wonderful to see our "toothless" bowlers bowling out sa twice in tgeir home conditions...well done Sri Lanka as always ,we are proud of you..oh and kepler,how does your humble pie taste?? Crig pls post

POSTED BY
PACERONE
on | December 29, 2011, 23:26 GMT

Congratulations Sri Lanka.This win immediately after the ICC solved the payment problem shows that some of these cricket boards are more hindrance than help to cricket.People in the West Indies should take note that the boards with good relationship with their players are doing well or at least able to win big games.Sri Lanka players and management on tour seemed to have planned this win.Witness the talk of taking the new ball by commentators...witness who bowled the new ball and Sri Lanka to victory. Believe me there are no Super Team out there.Australia was suppose to be falling apart...wins against Sri Lanka,S.Africa and NZ and now India.NZ coming back from a beating to win against Australia and now Sri Lanka rebounding to beat The Power House S.Africa.
People should watch these games with sound off..no need to listen to the KNOW It ALLs doing the broadcasts.Wessels,Jackman.and the guy that talks too much.S.L now need Dilsan and Mahela to produce and they will be okay.

POSTED BY
VirajSam
on | December 29, 2011, 23:10 GMT

Sri Lanka were in top ranking in Test for long time , they are top team , They dont get many overseas tours , they last toured South Africa 10/11 years ago . Indian media and south african media made them look like bangaladesh in this tour . They did way much better than india in England . also all the -lost series are 0-1 , they just had a bad time . 2 3 pacers are injured so , this not the original pace attack . But with them too its enough to beat team like SA .

POSTED BY
dillo161
on | December 29, 2011, 22:56 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka! Great comeback into the series! I give all respect to SA, don't under-estimate them yet! They did smash SL at Centurion, but also in reply to @AlanGaskson, don't take it too seriosuly lol, we are just happy to win a game, Sri Lankans are all very nice people!

Cannot wait till the final game kicks off at Cape Town, such a beautiful place!

POSTED BY
Street_Hawk
on | December 29, 2011, 22:50 GMT

Inconsistency of SA team is a big problem for them...Also, SA selectors are so conservative..how many new players have gotten a chance in SA team apart from bowling...Philander did pretty well...but what about opening? same old Smith...and if they need a replacement they always select old guys like Rudolph..there is no upcoming opener in SA?? Aus got Hughes, Warner, Cowan etc..and no new WK...when Kuhn and others will get a chance? when Boucher dies at 90? Get a new no. 6 instead of Prince..and not du plesis..get young blood in...prepare a replacement for Kallis..he is not gonna be around always...but I am sure SA are so conservative these will never happen...

POSTED BY
crictalia
on | December 29, 2011, 22:45 GMT

Congrets Team Sri Lanka...

POSTED BY
Lion_Down_Under
on | December 29, 2011, 22:37 GMT

Three words Mr.kepler wessels ..... "In Your Face....." Say what ? I say what ? Don't mess with the Lions.....

POSTED BY
avinash200j
on | December 29, 2011, 22:35 GMT

Well done lanka congrats for your 1st win in "15 TEST MATCHES"....

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 22:33 GMT

Congratulations! Fantastic Lankan tigers give South Africans a thorough drubbing- great to see Lankans bounce back after the 1st test. Great going. It will be nice to see Tigers win the series. Greetings from Pakistan.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 22:31 GMT

well done Srilanka!even being a pakistani supporter i am so pleased for the SL team and for those SL fans who stuck by there team. a lot of teams have lost there greats but that doesnt mean you have to ly down while rebuilding! SL have not only shown charcter but also built some belief for the rest of the series. good luck!

POSTED BY
BangorB6
on | December 29, 2011, 21:51 GMT

I was in Colombo after the first test and many locals were filthy on the belittling the team endured from the South Africans. If South Africa are tour in the near future they can expect a hostile reception.
The lions have made many Sri Lankans proud with their tenacity, spirit and fighhting qualities. Chandimal and Sangakarra where exceptional.

wel done.

POSTED BY
johnathonjosephs
on | December 29, 2011, 21:48 GMT

OH NO! The curator should be sacked! He prepared a "flat pitch" and the "green pitch" bullies had no chance! Hope another "flat pitch" is produced for the next match.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 21:46 GMT

I cried when saw the results in the morning. Our boys have proved again that they can win games without even getting paid. Dear Mr. Wessels, What team are you going to bring now? B Team of South Africa?

POSTED BY
MalikAnasAhmad
on | December 29, 2011, 21:40 GMT

happy to see my second favourite team coming back to form, well done Blue Lions.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 21:36 GMT

ohhh yes! thats it. kepler and other white skins had the answer. lions are roaring again. sooooooooo happy and all da best to our lions. LOVE U SRI LANKA.

POSTED BY
Devapriya
on | December 29, 2011, 21:35 GMT

May be we should ask Kepler Wessels to get the South Africa A team ready - they might just give the Sri Lankans a good game!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 21:34 GMT

Congratulations Sri Lanka. I admire your fighback , much respect from a Pakistani.

POSTED BY
mcsdl
on | December 29, 2011, 21:30 GMT

I just love the way Pakistani fans love Sri Lanka cricket team. it really seems to come out of their hearts... I Salute...!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 21:28 GMT

I think the post-muralitharan era thing is blown out of proportion. True he was the key in may victories, but It's not as if Sri Lanka were unable to beat tough opposition without him. For instance in 2004 Sri Lanka beat SA 1-0 in a 2 test series. There was no Muralitharan in that game. Vaas and Malinga did the trick. Also in 2009 SL beat Pakistan 2-0 and on that occassion it was Herath, Kulasekara and Thushara who were in the wickets.

POSTED BY
johnathonjosephs
on | December 29, 2011, 21:21 GMT

Surprising, but this does go on to reinforce the problems with outside subcontinent/inside subcontinent comparisons. Its really ridiculous by the English/South African/Australian commentators and critics to call subcontinent pitches flat. In fact, the South Africa commentators called this pitch flat. What is flat for the seamers is usually a gold mine for the spinners. And what is flat for the spinners is usually great for the fast bowlers. Commentators were calling this pitch flat when Sri Lanka posted up 300 but only because the fast bowler had no pitch assistance. This pitch was a spinning pitch, yet South Africa only utilized 48 out of 197 overs (24%) to spin while Sri Lanka gave 62 of 137 overs to spin (45%). South Africa's inability to trouble subcontinent batsman with spin has lost them the game. This was one venue where their fast bowlers couldn't help them.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 21:11 GMT

Well Done SL. Srilankans have the Talent and a superb cricket background they get from the schools. I hope they go from strength to strength and establish their supremacy in World Cricket. Tilak

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 21:09 GMT

When we are low-down and struggling, there are people who would like to thump us to the oblivion to fulfil their own selfish personal agendas. We just have to keep the hopes alive, keep fighting and keep surviving. Eventually something, somehow, somewhere will work out in our way. I hope Mr. Wessles got an enough of a challenge and the Christmas Miracle, the ones he was yearning.

POSTED BY
lananad
on | December 29, 2011, 21:06 GMT

Well done Srilanka.Where is Kepler now?...

POSTED BY
cric7
on | December 29, 2011, 20:57 GMT

Good Job SL!! pleasing to see batsman like Kallis gone for pair. outstanding

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 20:30 GMT

Winning a "Battle" won't make us "conquerors".. We need to win the "war".. Yes.. We do celebrate the great victory.. Its not just that Sri Lankan team won over South Africa.. Its a win over some commentators and Media who underestimated the SL team.. Take this good form to the 3rd test and win it.. Entire nation is with you boys!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 20:29 GMT

Why are the fingers all beinpointed at Rudolph and Prince, when Graeme Smith has not been consistent or even remotely good with the bat for AGES. Years even.

To my mind, SA's problems started when he became captain. He looks the part, being big and tall, and has a sqaure jaw and Biggles "Tally Ho" attitude, but when teh chips are down, I think its fair to say that his leadership is DRASTICALLY lacking. He has in fact never been a great leader, and does not seem to be learning much from failures. He does not seem to lead from the front, working harder to MAKE things happen. Instead, he leads from in front of the camera, deflecting criticism and making excuses which somehow get accepted by the SA public as if it is gospel.

If you want a change in SA mindset, DROP Smith, and make AB the captain. We are carrying way too much dead wood in Graeme Smith. Also, treat Kallis as a batsman only. His bowling is frankly ineffective. Get tough on form, only players in form get selected.

POSTED BY
seantells
on | December 29, 2011, 20:28 GMT

it's indeed a needed victory by SL cricket and it's fans, well done. but make a note this victory has very little to do with Captaincy it was driven by some talents in the making and experienced individuals.

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 29, 2011, 20:28 GMT

Well played Sri Lanka. I must admit I thought SA would whitewash Sri Lanka but this was nothing personal against Sri Lanka. I just thought that from what I saw of Sri Lanka in England that they were a side in serious decline and against Steyn,Morkel,Philander they would get blown away. Well Philander didn't play but his replacement was the best SA bowler so SA can't really use that as an excuse. Morkel and Steyn certainly didn't look like top 5 bowlers , maybe because the Sri Lankan batsmen played so well? The one good thing as a neutral is that there is a 3rd test to hopefully decide whether SL can go on and claim a great series win or whether SA can bounce back and win the series themselves.

POSTED BY
Ameega
on | December 29, 2011, 20:27 GMT

@Murad400; thanks for your wishes. By the way, there are no more TIGERS left in the island! LoL

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 20:24 GMT

Im very disappointed by these sri-lankan comments. I am a proud south african and I cannot believe how you guys are tearing us apart and always complaining about the pitch.

Sri-lanka was my 2nd fav team, because the players in your team are very gentleman like. But you guys here have no respect at all.

@ Werner Geyer, except just a few, no Sri Lankans supporters here are shouting as world beaters. We know where we are, never came to whitewash SAffers, and did not expect 208 run winning margin in favour of Sri Lanka. Yes, SAffers are world beaters and they were thrashed by SL last night! Period!!

POSTED BY
ssduk
on | December 29, 2011, 20:21 GMT

Well Done lions, You guys proved that we can win under any conditions once again and good answer for those who criticize lankan team and players. Where are those guys well known people like s.jagernath Mrgupta etc...What happened to your team in Australia ??? Come here and lets have a chat....!!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 20:20 GMT

well done SL good to see back in the game best of luck LONG LIVE SL and PAK

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 20:15 GMT

happy fo u Srilanka..:)
keep up da gud work...:)

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 20:14 GMT

Congratulations to SL on an excellent win. My team's (SA) poor batting performance should not in any way detract from an excellent performance by SL, particularly by SL's bowling attack. Like many SL fans, but as a South African, I am irritated by Keppler Wessels and a few other commentators ('talking heads') who mouthed off about SA's 'formidible batting attack' (give me a break) and SL's 'suspect' bowling unit. As a true fan of cricket, I am looking forward to a good contest in the third test. May the best team win!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 20:12 GMT

Oh I cannot wait for newlands, we never lose there and your(sri lankans)best friend "Vernon Philander" is coming back.

Now all you people complaining about the pitch look like fools and have no say anymore.

Mr Kepler Wessels what do you got say now???? Hope you would withdraw your statement ...

POSTED BY
CharlesCrasto
on | December 29, 2011, 20:08 GMT

Congrats to the Lankan Lions from a Pakistani fan. Sub-continental teams rock!!!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 19:55 GMT

where's keppler ? i think he is searching a place to hide.well done lions.nice way to end the year 2011.keep it up to the next year

POSTED BY
Echi
on | December 29, 2011, 19:47 GMT

We may have taken the comment by Kepler Wessels wrong, The South African A team may be better than the national team. They may play the A team in the next match.ha ha ha ha. Sri Lanka may not have the bowling to bowl their A team out twice.HA HA H A. All South African Commentators are big talkers about their own team but the team cannot live up-to their bias comments . This is the exact reason why they never come to semi in a WC. All South African commentators were sad and silent towards the end of the game. Some were challenging about green pitches in cape town. ha ha ha

POSTED BY
Lord.emsworth
on | December 29, 2011, 19:40 GMT

Yeah, Sarath 1948 put a sock in it. Its one thing to criticize the SL team for their performances since the England tour but Herath doesnt deserve your vitrol. Herath has never been easy to score off and has a great heart + 125 odd test wickets.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 19:35 GMT

@ Samy Fernando...... great comment man.....yep.,we are small country, But we can do everything.... because of we are cricketing nation... win or lose we love our teame.... BECAUSE OF WE LOVE CRICKET, THAN THE KEPLER WELLES.... go lions... WE CAN DO IT... congradzzzzzzzzzz boys!!!!!!!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 19:34 GMT

hey....can anybody help me to find 'keppler wessels' please.where is he now.may be hiding his face in a sac........everybody must understand that this is how cricket is...every team has a hard run as well as a good run in cricket.....see what happened to india yesterday and what happened to SA today.any team can't win or loose everday.almost everyteam has good players.but team work and confidence is the key for a win in test cricket.luck has very limited roll in test cricket unlike ODI and T20

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 19:33 GMT

Where are those guys who said SA should play real teams like IND and AUS and not loser teams like SL? Well choke on your words mate..cos we Lions know how to treat those with big mouths..just like we did for Mr. Keppler Wessels. Where is he by the way?

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 19:25 GMT

well..to be fairly honest this was an expected performance by southafrica....their tale of thrashing the opposition in the first test and getting humbled by them in the second test seems to be a never ending one.......most of the times if kallis fails south africa also struggle...kallis should find form....and prince, boucher should consider this as their last oppurtunity....the words of greame smith and kirsten might look a lot more positive but their planning doesnt...if south africa doesnt win in capetown, it would be a big shame

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 19:25 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka! you have regained your winning ways and we hope that we can win the series next week!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 19:25 GMT

south africa,the only nation with A team better than National Team.. lol

POSTED BY
JANTHULAMAYA
on | December 29, 2011, 19:23 GMT

Few things came out for SL with this victory... Herath may not be another Murali.. But he has proved that he is a wicket taking bowler in world cricket today..Taking 9 in SA.. Is awsome.. Secondly.. Chandimal.."Kid.. U'v got balls..The way u stood up to that pace attack in both d innings.. Awsome". one more thing TO MR KEPLER WeSSELS and Allan D. you both got your things wrong.... You will never beat us with your A'team....PLEASE THROW SOME BALL TO UR GUYS AND GET THEM PREPARED NOW for the next one... DO NOT TALK BIG ... ANYWAY YOU GUYS ARE CHOKERS SO ALWAYS U TALK BIG... YOUR TEAM MEMBERS LET THOSE GUYS DOWN......

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 19:12 GMT

i love srilanka cricket and their people. srilanka is the land of very sweet people

POSTED BY
kellownafc
on | December 29, 2011, 19:05 GMT

hey sarath1948,
It seems like you are having a big GRUDGE against rangana herath. are you saving any ordinary spinner could have taken nine wickets in this match & bowled srilanka to victory ? Whats wrong with you dude ? herath justyfied his selections & according to me he played a major role in this match.i`m sure most of our srilankan fans will agree with me on this. in the name of srilankan cricket pls stop making any furthar comments specialy when our boys are trying hard get their confidence back

POSTED BY
honeyb
on | December 29, 2011, 19:03 GMT

@sarath1948: Its clear that you have some personal vandetta against Herath. But you sir have little knowledge about cricket. Despite what you think, this pitch was no spinners paradise as you'd find often in the sub continent. Yes there was turn on offer but Herath showed immense skill to vary his pace and angle to completely keep the SA batsman on a leash for the whole innings. You let yourself down by mentioning a T20 performance to back your argument about test match spinner. Please cherish this glorious day in SL cricket. Do not spoil it by negative, unconstructive criticism of our best player of the day!

POSTED BY
criczed
on | December 29, 2011, 19:01 GMT

Great Test match ! I am sure Dilshan is going to take a lot out of this win and put them in a bag full of confidence. That is what he needs right now. I am a die hard SL fan and I want to see my country win all the time. As far as I see if we are to win the next coming matches and possibly the world cup Dilshan has to step up not just with bat but just by improving his Captaincy skills. We all know that he is great cricketer but it is time for him to show the world that he could lead this team well. He needs to believe in his self !!! All the best for the SL team for the upcoming New Year.

POSTED BY
cyniket
on | December 29, 2011, 19:00 GMT

Why does this keep happening to south africa. they should be right up there with england at the moment, but they keep finding ways to lose to inferior teams. Is it complacency? is it captaincy? there doesn't appear to be an obvious reason.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 18:58 GMT

Glad to see Lankan Lions coming back in form!
Hope to see another good contest in Cape Town.
Good Luck Lanka, from Pakistan.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 18:56 GMT

Congrats Sri Lanka. It is indeed a surprising win over SA in SA!

POSTED BY
tennakoon63
on | December 29, 2011, 18:54 GMT

We didn't see or hear any comments from Keppler or Allan after the game. Where are they?

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 18:47 GMT

What a way to end the year for SL. Brilliant team effort. Still there are passengers in this team. Cricket board should take notice and pay the boys' due wages now...

POSTED BY
Mino
on | December 29, 2011, 18:37 GMT

I am so happy to post this comment cause this has been a long awaited win for SL!!! What a debut Chandimal had! surely he IS the brightest prospect for the future of SL cricket, I hope the selectors would understand it now!!! Samaraweera , Sanga , Herath, Welagedara and everyone did their part. Maybe SA A team will play against SL in the next match! as Kepler W.said!!!!!

POSTED BY
WeeBee
on | December 29, 2011, 18:34 GMT

hmmm welldone!!! srilankans!!!

POSTED BY
nimal183
on | December 29, 2011, 18:33 GMT

Proud to be Sri Lankan... Now on Pls Don't compare BAN, ZIM with Sri lanka!!! We are a cricket nation we always bounce back and this is the perfect answer!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 18:33 GMT

What a win, only our 8th test in South Africa. if we get more tests in Aus and SA i think we'll be able to beat them more regularly, it's just that we never get many tours to SA and Aus. Great Team work. Sanga showed he's the worlds best batsman by scoring a 100 while the second best batsman Kallis got a pair. Hats off to our team. Well played. Hope it's not a green carpet pitch in Cape town like it was in the 1st test

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 18:33 GMT

Keep it up Lions....U have great future Chandimal...Lions can win in any country..

POSTED BY
Yasindu
on | December 29, 2011, 18:32 GMT

Sri Lankans back to work. WELCOME BACK LIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!

POSTED BY
ThePieChucker
on | December 29, 2011, 18:28 GMT

I am an Indian fan, and I would like to congratulate all Sri Lankans on this brilliant win against South Africa. After all the internal problems in your cricket administration, the injuries to your side, and the difficult times you have endured in Test cricket since the World Cup, this was a stunning riposte to silence all the critics. Best of luck for the deciding Test in Cape Town; the South Africans don't like losing at home, and they will come back hard at you.

POSTED BY
5wombats
on | December 29, 2011, 18:27 GMT

Fantastic! Well played Sri Lanka. Blistering! Always like watching SL. This is just what Test Cricket needs - and particularly what Sri Lanka needs after a tough year. BRAVO!!!

POSTED BY
Badgerofdoom
on | December 29, 2011, 18:27 GMT

Congrats to SL, like many I did not expect this. SA just don't seem to be able to finish teams off at home, winning the first test and losing the second is becoming a pretty depressing routine for them.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 18:27 GMT

wow congrads lions.thilan ur great....keep it up.

POSTED BY
lakikeanu
on | December 29, 2011, 18:25 GMT

Great Victory SL... we proud of you.And what you guys think about this, "If there was no Chandimal, Still no 100 for Thilan or Sanga and victory also". if we think deeply we can see, he is the one who changed the game. ?(no intention of taking anything away from Thilan,Sanga,Welagedara or herath)
By the way,
Mr.Kepler Wessels should be busy right now, finding players for his "A" Team for the next Match.
Happy New Year SL team, SA Team and all the other teams, Cricinfo and all the fans,
AND Specially Mr.Kepler Wessels...

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 18:25 GMT

congratulations to team srilanka and eye opener for team SA .I wonder why wessels and haysman still rate SA as one of the best teams in the World. Look at their record in home they havent beaten a side in home in nearly three years .Last time they beat bangladesh .Shaky aussies chased record 300 plus against them .India almost threatened them to beat .It will be no doubt difficult to clinch series here for srilanka but they can drawn series in SA for the first time if they play to their potential.

POSTED BY
SLcricket_forever
on | December 29, 2011, 18:16 GMT

Its the miracle we gave to you SA fans....Never be over confidence.You will regret a lot like today. !

POSTED BY
suve
on | December 29, 2011, 18:14 GMT

I feel sorry for Keppler Wessels,even when he was commentating he was desperatley trying to up SA in anyway possible when in SA's 2nd innings. Congrats SL, but it will be a tough next match as the pitch will be as green as the outfield. I think the pitch in Durban wasnt that flat really, because the ball seamed for the fast bowlers then assisted the spinners, and batsmen really had to concentrate and be patient to get a good score and had a little bounce too.

POSTED BY
KingOwl
on | December 29, 2011, 18:12 GMT

I always knew that it was just a matter of time before SL would turn things around, despite what all the journalists were saying (as recorded in my numerous comments on Crininfo). I suppose they were trying to just sensationalize things to sell news! I thought it would take some more time because of lack of favorable conditions in SA. But, there was a bit in it for the spinners here and they did it. In style! Let's not forget that this was a tough wicket with a lot of help for the fast bowlers as well. That makes it even more amazing. IMO this is the greatest win for SL since the WC victory.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 18:12 GMT

Absolutely dominant performance by Sri Lanka. I don't know why, but I am quite alright (as in delighted) seeing Sri Lanka and Pakistan perform better than India in the recent time/s. Congratulations Lankans. Cricket is still enjoyable, despite my home country playing predictably bad cricket.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 18:11 GMT

Wow, 1 victory and all of a sudden Sri Lanka is world beaters according to some of these comments!! Firstly, congrats SL for a good win, SA were outmatched in every department. I agree that some of the old wood must be chopped now but it seems SA selectors lack that killer instinct to actually do it. Please be careful of throwing around the chokers tag seeing that you can only choke if you lose from a winning position and SA were never in a winning position. Look forward to the next test and hopefully a better performance from SA

POSTED BY
rajithwijepura
on | December 29, 2011, 18:08 GMT

Curators of Cape Town, you have an extra day to make greenish pitch for the fast track bullies.

POSTED BY
mhb1
on | December 29, 2011, 18:08 GMT

well done my brothers greetings from pakistan !

POSTED BY
Nasee2010
on | December 29, 2011, 18:02 GMT

Being a pakistani cricket lover its really wonderful to see SL doing so good in the match.Hates off to Sanga for yet another brilliant n pain taking performance.Truely a responsible batsman.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 18:00 GMT

This shows that it takes great technique to face spin bowling and i have to say,no one in the South African lineup except de villiers is equipped to face quality spin bowling,same fate awaits England when they visit the subcontinent later next year,they'll have a rude awakening.It is tough to face pace bowling on green tracks,the same applies to playing on dry tracks in the subcontinent where it is equally hard.But all over the world people are prejudiced over subcontinent tracks callling them flat ,whereas foreign batsmen struggle on these so called 'flat tracks'.People who called Sanga a flat track bully will now be eating their words.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:56 GMT

brilliant performance. sets things up very nicely for cape town

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:55 GMT

realy happy as south Asian beat s.a... com on sri lanka

POSTED BY
samy_fernando
on | December 29, 2011, 17:50 GMT

Mr.Kepler Wessels..Never underestimate Lions form SL! We r small Country which could be 100 times smaller than urs.! but we have courage. We always have faith.Win or lose we follow our team & love our team. So,think before you make a comment next time. i know,SA will come up with a Green Green pitch next week,,i really hope SL wll win the toss & play Prasad too. Then we can talk more Mr.Wessels.! Happy new year! :D

POSTED BY
delimack
on | December 29, 2011, 17:48 GMT

I wondered after the comments from Kepler whether it would fire up the Lankans and it did. They came back and beat them soundly. I do hope Kepler would say he was wrong. Thank you Rick Forsythe for your comments

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:47 GMT

I'm a proud sri lankan but I don't expect SL to win at cape town,still SA is the favourites going in to 3rd test ,we need luck to go our way there too.

POSTED BY
Kays789
on | December 29, 2011, 17:45 GMT

honestly, if SL had had more opportunities to play in south africa while murali was still playing i think they wouldve achieved their first win there long before this. dont see why cricinfo is making a big deal out of this being the first win for SL in SA when theyve played so little cricket in that country. so it wasnt necessarily a 'monkey on their back' as they've claimed here.

POSTED BY
Cpt.Meanster
on | December 29, 2011, 17:45 GMT

I hope Keppler Wessels learns now to keep QUIET.. SHHHHHHH. NEVER underestimate ANY team until the end of the series. SL are known to be poor... but that does not mean they won't learn from mistakes and come back strongly. I hope Wessels eats his own words for New Year's party. I see the third test becoming a draw. SA are quickly becoming pathetic in their own den.

POSTED BY
StarsnStumps
on | December 29, 2011, 17:41 GMT

Wow!! what a wonderful accomplishment!! They didn't win a match in ages and what a way to break the curse ... I'm a Pakistani but for some reason I feel so happy for them ... Hope they have now learnt that they can win without Murali ... and kinda also put Pakistan's performance against them in perspective ... Good luck for the last match ure gonna need it ... the proteas will come charging back hoping for a good contest

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:40 GMT

Mr KW has been missing.. Guys, please let me know if you find him.. Cause we better tell him to bring his national side on 3rd test.. They played their so called "A" team nah.. LOLE LOL!!!

POSTED BY
aruna.b.herath
on | December 29, 2011, 17:38 GMT

Congratezz we new you will bounce back. We are Sri Lankans, we always let the bat to do the talking. KW better try that.

POSTED BY
Prema1948
on | December 29, 2011, 17:38 GMT

It was S'weera's& Chandimal's quality batting and Welagedara's remarkable bowling feat only facilitated this great win all others just supported them. Any other spinner (who can spin the ball) would have done a better job than what Herath did. Ajantha's bowling feat against Australia that helped us to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat in a recent T/20 match played at Pallekele has been completely ignored by the selectors. What Hearth did in this match could have been achieved by using any other ordinary spinner who can spin the ball better. If Ajantha, Sachithra Or Malinda would have been there this match would have been over by lunch.

POSTED BY
SLMaster
on | December 29, 2011, 17:37 GMT

I feel sorry for Prasanna Jayawardena. But Chandimal always a great prospect. There we have a wicket-keeper for ODIs too. Angelo has to step up then we have balanced young & experience squad. Great work SL !!!!!

POSTED BY
Dimitri_SL
on | December 29, 2011, 17:35 GMT

We believed in you guys and you made us all very very proud of being Sri Lankan today.....But remember that there's still one more match to go ...victory in which will re -announce you guys on the world stage....
Proteas will drain in all their reserves and hit you with everything they'v got come the next game...Be prepared and play the "Sri Lankan" brand of Cricket that you guys are known for ....and the series will be yours.....All the very best...Let the Lion roars echo over the skies of Cape Town.

POSTED BY
yohandf1984
on | December 29, 2011, 17:33 GMT

Well done guys .you proved you could dod it .We know our batting is par with any side so its the bowlers who created this victory . This is also a slap-on- cheek to all (geoff boycot to kepler wessels ) who told our bowling unit is not able to pick 20 wickets . And also to Sri lankan hater who expected a SA whitwash . Now SLteam should nt be complaicent and try to maintain the standards coz proteas would come very hard at you . Happy tht we could end 2011 ON A HIGH NOTE .

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:33 GMT

Hey South Africans WATCH AND LEARN :) u guys now need a new year's miracle ...lol

POSTED BY
rajithwijepura
on | December 29, 2011, 17:31 GMT

This win could have been priceless win if Kepler Wessels done the post match presentation. He might have been a bit of hurry to go home after falling SA's 10th wicket. Mr. Kepler Wessels, learn to respect the opponent.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:30 GMT

At Last Sri Lanka won a test match

POSTED BY
goodcricketer12
on | December 29, 2011, 17:30 GMT

Congrats to SL team for their superb performance. This reminds me of last year's India's tour of SA.
SA's Durban jinx continues. I wonder it is time for Smith / SA board officials to consult Hyderabad Cricket Association how to break this. HCA did some thing at Uppal stadium where India continued to lose despite good performances. Of course, SA never put up a good performance here. But it is worth a try!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:30 GMT

Brave Srilankans done at last wonderful achievement..

POSTED BY
Amol_Gh
on | December 29, 2011, 17:29 GMT

I don't understand this inconsistency that, both IND and SA lost their respective matches after reaching a winnable position at various stages of them. And it's frustrating to see IND lose because they have this golden opportunity to win a series in AUS, which they are capable of and which other sub-continental sides can only dream of. And It's frustrating to see SA lose to a team (AUS, SRL) which SA have beaten and can beat again in just three days. I'm still not getting it.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:26 GMT

A lot of People have been giving kepler wessels a hard time, i must admit his comments peeved me too. but the reason his comments hurt so much was because we knew that our record up to that point justified such comments. so lets be gracious in victory shall we and just enjoy the fact that we got our "Christmas miracle" (http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-sri-lanka-2011/content/story/546829.html )

POSTED BY
Murad400
on | December 29, 2011, 17:26 GMT

well deserve victory of Lankan TIGERS....... and very comprehensively.... Congratulations to SL fan's from Pakistan and hope to see the same performance in 2012.......

For the third test, South Africa better bring in their 2nd eleven team to beat Sri Lanka :) AFNS! Well Done Sri Lanka! SL will come back for sure. They are a great team with a great ambassador!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:20 GMT

As a South African let me congratulate the Sri Lankans on a brilliant game showing us how to do it in our own back yard. We have some serious issues with our aging team that need addressing but I'm sure our selectors will brush them under the carpet.

Not that we should take anything away from the SL team who played great cricket.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:20 GMT

True that all our cricketers played well in this match. I believe young Chandimal 's contribution in both innings is a crucial factor. It's pity that he was not given a chance before.Why not give a chance to young Thirimanna in the next match ?

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:19 GMT

Is there a team carrying the Chokers Tag. What makes this win more remarkable is that it makes SA commentators hiding their tails between their legs. SL was written off before the first bawl ball in this series. As Sri Lankans we must also should be proud of the role played by the Russal Arnold. SA players/commentators talking about the conditions which are not suited to their team. Is this an excuse when they played on their own country? Over confidence of SA team will make them always the Chokers in the cricketing world.

Congrats to Sl you really outplayed us in all areas.
Maybe it is time for AB to take the gloves from Bouch and Aswell to say bye.Good team would be :
1. Smith
2. Peterson
3. Amla
4. Kallis
5. Ingram
6. Elgar (Extra spinning option)
7. De Villiers
8. Steyn
9. Philander
10. De Lange
11. Tahir

Any suggestions

POSTED BY
Fizzah
on | December 29, 2011, 17:11 GMT

Long awaited win it is, but well played Sri Lanka....... Greetings from Pakistan.......

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:11 GMT

Well done Srilanka!! well done chandimal!!! What a debut he has !!! i thnk paranawithana should be replaced by dimuth karunarathne bcoz paranawitharana is continually failing...Cheers Srilanka !!! C'mon lions show ur roar to South Africans.....
We want a good fighting game in 3rd Test..

POSTED BY
DilumSL
on | December 29, 2011, 17:10 GMT

congradz SL. we really needed this one. but the most important thing other than wining is CHANDIMAL. A good sign for the future.

POSTED BY
doncl
on | December 29, 2011, 17:06 GMT

Congrats Sri Lanka. Being a die har SL fan I am so happy we won. Batting was improved, but I still think we are not up to the mark in that department yet. Hopefully that too will click in third test. Great batting effot from Sanga, Thilan and Dinesh. Hope they keep it up and the rest pitch in too.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 17:04 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka! This is what cricket is all about, no one can predict the game. This a slap in the face for all the people who said "Sri lanka does not have the goods to bowl out SA twice" and "Sri lanka requires a christmas miracle" to beat SA.

Sri Lanka is a talented strong team which is rebuilding and with the right guidance they are a strong competitor.(Dilshan captained well during the entire game)
In my judgement The topic on boxing day saying "Sri Lanka needs a Christmas miracle" should have had "India" instead of Srilanka considering their performance in Australia

South Africa have a chance to dominate Lanka in the final test but you cannot rule Sri Lanka out they are just as good as any subcontinent team away from home.
I don't mean that South Africa are bad, My point is do not go around making assumptions about any teams abilities because the players who play for any International team are in the team for a reason that is, they can play.

POSTED BY
kazimusman
on | December 29, 2011, 17:04 GMT

Congrats srilanka you really played very well. I am very impressed with Chandimal, i think he is a next star of world cricket cause scoring runs overseas means you have world class talent....before the start of the series I was not expecting a result like this especially after showing dismal performance against us(pakistan)....As an sub-continent citizen i am backing you srilanka, go for a kill now.....best of luck!

POSTED BY
SunAndSea
on | December 29, 2011, 16:56 GMT

Congratulations to Sri Lanka. An astonishing turnaround from the first test!

POSTED BY
AmilaSL
on | December 29, 2011, 16:55 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka, the excellent team effort brings you this victory. Do not take the final match lightly because with this we can move to the next height that is "First Ever Test Series victory in SA".

Kepler Wessels said "South Africa A would be able to beat Sri Lanka". I guess that, then SA becomes the one and only country that has a stronger A team than the national team.

POSTED BY
Mathu.
on | December 29, 2011, 16:55 GMT

Congratulations SL team!!! Wish you all the very best of 2012. Keep the rest behind and step into a new year with positive winning thoughts in mind, I always believe psychology plays a big roll in any game. I did not mean received dues… ;-) no.. I am kidding. Every one gave 100% to the game. Sanga learned how to leave rubbish out of off stumps, Samare proved another one can not change his faith and Chandimal showed how to play with no panicking. Hera & Wela filled the gap of MURALI & VASS. Great work guys.

POSTED BY
SnowSnake
on | December 29, 2011, 16:55 GMT

Congratulations to SL for first ever victory in SA. Superb performance all around.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:53 GMT

well done sri lanka. lot of players play their part in right time.i always think DINESH CHANDIMAL is a our future.he shoud be a permanant member for all formats.i think today is a day all sri lankan looking .

POSTED BY
Rakim
on | December 29, 2011, 16:48 GMT

So happy for SL. They needed this victory to restore their self-confidence. And they also proved that they don't need Murali and Malinga anymore.

POSTED BY
dan_loves_cricket
on | December 29, 2011, 16:44 GMT

hashabjp- I wonder where is south africa's die hard fan hashabjp who said SA will thrash lanka in any conditions including the most turning wickets in SL...well mate,u better learn to beat us in ur own back yard first before boasting about beating us at our home..!!!!! Durban just turned a little,..imagine what would it be like at Galle,colombo and in Kandy????

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:43 GMT

Before this series begin, South African coach said even his A team can beat Sri Lanka.I have never heard about this type of statements before.This is the best way to show him that we are not underdogs in cricket.My dear Sri lankan cricketers , Please try to win the third test and the series.That's the best answer to these arrogant statements. Best wishes!

POSTED BY
vellupillai
on | December 29, 2011, 16:42 GMT

congrats to lanka they are certainly a better side than other sub continent teams when playing in overseas tricky conditions.

POSTED BY
Cheeki
on | December 29, 2011, 16:41 GMT

Well done Sri Lanka who can probably state that the SA batting was more like a SA -D (leave alone A) team batting.:) Kepler Wessels, Rob Jackman are you listening? Headlines for tomorrow-Flat Track Bullies trim the grass off the Green Track Champions.
Hopefully my Indian team will take inspiration from their Sri Lankan brothers and come roaring back in Sydney

POSTED BY
GreenTeam-Elite
on | December 29, 2011, 16:41 GMT

Finally Deserving Side has Won this test match!!! Good to see come back of Sri Lanka in test match!!! Good Luck Sri Lanka for next match!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:39 GMT

Weldone Srilanka, after Pakistan u r my favorite team. Keep it up

POSTED BY
rajithwijepura
on | December 29, 2011, 16:39 GMT

Well done boys. Really proud of you guys. Its more than a test win for us because even before we arrive SA some of ex-cricketers of SA said "even South Africa A could beat this srilankan team". But you guys gave him a strong reply in the field by beating his national team in a very big margin. Well played Samare, Sanga, Chandimal, Rangana and Welagedara. All the best for decider in Cape Town. Bring the first series win in South African soil.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:38 GMT

Finally we won a match after Murali's retirement .....

POSTED BY
dmqi
on | December 29, 2011, 16:36 GMT

Well, SL is an excellent team and they deserve the win, should have done much earlier. Sanga, Mahela are top players who can win matches supported by other promising players in SL team. SA should not have chicken out so easily, gave up before the defeat.

India lost to Aus today, SA lost to SL, Next if England looses to Pakistan, then that will be interesting. Top teams loosing to lower ranked team. Well, every team has a peak time. Time to reshuffle.

POSTED BY
wrenx
on | December 29, 2011, 16:36 GMT

Huge congratulations to Sri Lanka for their first test victory in South Africa. Goes to show, eventually, talent and class will come through.

I was searching everywhere to see Mr. Kepler Wessels face. But unfortunately he was nowhere to be seen! :(

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:31 GMT

what a Crunch Game :) so happy the way Sri Lanka Came Back

POSTED BY
Beertjie
on | December 29, 2011, 16:31 GMT

Fantastic achievement to shock the cricketing world! What can SL do in Cape Town? And what can the spin doctors in SA say now? More denials until they're dead and buried! Gary Kirsten and Andrew Hudson have a harder task in the boardrooms than they ever faced on the cricket fields. Why? Because of the endemic denial mind-sets of most of the team. Still, if anyone can rebound from such things (temporarily) by winning at Newlands, the Proteas have proven themselves to be the masters. But their claims to challenge the English crown is looking more than preposterous.

POSTED BY
BroccoliPower
on | December 29, 2011, 16:31 GMT

OK South Africa, now bring in your A team! haha

POSTED BY
Cpt.Meanster
on | December 29, 2011, 16:31 GMT

Congratulations and well played Sri Lanka !! Here's hoping for a fruitful 2012 ! South Africa on the other hand need to do something about their Durban-Syndrome. They are called chokers for a reason. SL deserved this victory after showing a good fight. - respect from an EX-Indian fan.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:30 GMT

Mr.Kepler Wessels you were saying.... ????

POSTED BY
hifayas
on | December 29, 2011, 16:29 GMT

Hurreyyyy!!! I am really proud to write this comment on this match report, big really big relief for us guyz. It's always nice to taste the winfruit!!! SPECIAL THANKS TO Mr. WESSEL FOR MOTIVATING OUR GUYZ IN A SO CALLED NEGATIVE WAY. hehe, I like to c u live now, really...go guyz, Happy new year.........

POSTED BY
tick
on | December 29, 2011, 16:27 GMT

south africa is worse team than pakistan,australia and england...they lost to srilanka..believe it...even pakistan didn't lose to srilanka on spinning tracks...

POSTED BY
layya
on | December 29, 2011, 16:26 GMT

Here's your Christmas Miracle Cricinfo...!!!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:26 GMT

Congratulations Sri Lanka ! Its great feeling that you won a test match there after so many comments against you. Hope you will carry this fortune for the next year as well...

POSTED BY
Philip_Gnana
on | December 29, 2011, 16:26 GMT

What a win. Well done the Lions. We could not have asked for more. A very good team effort where all contributed. This should keep those smarmy comments from those Indian fans and make them eat their own words (MCG....) . Lets not get side tracked.
There is another test to come. Mahela needs to show up. We need his contribution too. Chandimal - a solid contribution on his debut. Samaraweera the forsaken one, gives a lesson to those who dropped in him. Welegedera showing good progress and this should give him the encouragement to perform on the big stage again. Dilshan doing a wonderful job in marshalling the forces. Sanga - delivers again. How can he be held back. Shows his character. Dilhara - delivers what was required. Angelo holding things up in the first innings. Herath the match winner who has done great.....Well done the Lions.
Philip Gnana, Surrey

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:25 GMT

What did you mean by "the biggest upset of 2011"? Yeah maybe for others but not for Sri Lankans.... The match was ended with another day to spare too, that's another huge victory a touring team can achieve, beating the home team with another day to spare.... Hope they'll do their best to keep the consistence from now on and it'll be a better year 2012 for Sri Lankan cricket.... I wonder how Murali feels right now, he should be pretty relieved....

POSTED BY
Don_Simon
on | December 29, 2011, 16:25 GMT

SA should listen to Wessels and play their 'A Team' in the 3rd test.

POSTED BY
goldeneye075
on | December 29, 2011, 16:23 GMT

great work guys.. !!! This was a long awaited win !!! It is good to end the year on high, with all the negativity going around sri lankan cricket in recent years.. good performance by Samaraweera, chandimal, welagedara, Fernando, Herath and Sangakara.. well played and not to forget the good slip catching by mahela.. ;-)

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | December 29, 2011, 16:23 GMT

So all of the big anti Lankan bashers can now remember that Sri Lanka can win test matches abroad. Sangakkara has test centuries against all test playing nations at home and away.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:22 GMT

Lions won against SA in their soil. we like to see you kepler wessel and his under 19 team. please we need a strong team South African !!!!

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | December 29, 2011, 16:21 GMT

I wonder what on earth will s.jagernath, g.sri and the hardcore anti Lankans have to say now? Sri Lanka can beat any test team as Sri Lanka has won test matches against all test playing teams!

POSTED BY
Sinhabahu
on | December 29, 2011, 16:21 GMT

What, Sri Lanka WON? Must be that "Christmas miracle" you guys were talking about ;)

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:21 GMT

Well done and congrats.Enjoyed every moment of it.Brilliant team effort to prove KW and others wrong.All the best for the next test.

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | December 29, 2011, 16:19 GMT

Superb stuff by the Lankans and no doubt convincing! This was way more convincing than India's win this time last year in Durban! Wonder where are those anti Lankan bashes who said that Lankans will lose 3-0??? Sri Lanka can win the 3rd test and the result will be 2-1 Sri Lanka!

POSTED BY
AidanFX
on | December 29, 2011, 16:18 GMT

What an awesome result - good for Test cricket.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:18 GMT

Dilshans first ever win as a captain is recode win for sri lanka ....... way to go dili ....
but there is a rumor that Mahela will take over captaincy after SA tour ......... can that be changed now .........

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:18 GMT

Dilshans first ever win as a captain is recode win for sri lanka ....... way to go dili ....
but there is a rumor that Mahela will take over captaincy after SA tour ......... can that be changed now .........

POSTED BY
AidanFX
on | December 29, 2011, 16:18 GMT

What an awesome result - good for Test cricket.

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | December 29, 2011, 16:19 GMT

Superb stuff by the Lankans and no doubt convincing! This was way more convincing than India's win this time last year in Durban! Wonder where are those anti Lankan bashes who said that Lankans will lose 3-0??? Sri Lanka can win the 3rd test and the result will be 2-1 Sri Lanka!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:21 GMT

Well done and congrats.Enjoyed every moment of it.Brilliant team effort to prove KW and others wrong.All the best for the next test.

POSTED BY
Sinhabahu
on | December 29, 2011, 16:21 GMT

What, Sri Lanka WON? Must be that "Christmas miracle" you guys were talking about ;)

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | December 29, 2011, 16:21 GMT

I wonder what on earth will s.jagernath, g.sri and the hardcore anti Lankans have to say now? Sri Lanka can beat any test team as Sri Lanka has won test matches against all test playing teams!

POSTED BY
on | December 29, 2011, 16:22 GMT

Lions won against SA in their soil. we like to see you kepler wessel and his under 19 team. please we need a strong team South African !!!!

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | December 29, 2011, 16:23 GMT

So all of the big anti Lankan bashers can now remember that Sri Lanka can win test matches abroad. Sangakkara has test centuries against all test playing nations at home and away.

POSTED BY
goldeneye075
on | December 29, 2011, 16:23 GMT

great work guys.. !!! This was a long awaited win !!! It is good to end the year on high, with all the negativity going around sri lankan cricket in recent years.. good performance by Samaraweera, chandimal, welagedara, Fernando, Herath and Sangakara.. well played and not to forget the good slip catching by mahela.. ;-)